Small-group support
A mixed number is one quantity.
How many 1/2 portions are in 2 1/2?
A mixed number is one number. Converting it to a single fraction keeps the quantity intact before dividing. Dividing the whole-number part and the fraction part separately changes the problem.
Problem 1 of 4. A short entry task, a model, guided examples, then a new independent try. Frames are optional.
How many groups of 1/2 are in 2 1/2?
Support frame: 5/2 × 2/1