To divide a whole number by a fraction (like "how many 1/2s in 3?") you lean on counting equal pieces and knowing how many unit fractions fill one whole. Warm those up and dividing by a fraction feels like simple counting.
Answer these 3, then press Show my path. No grade — this just points you to the right level.
1. How many fourths (1/4) are in 1 whole?
2. What is 3 × 4?
3. In 1/3, the bottom number 3 tells you the whole is cut into how many equal parts?
A unit fraction is a fraction with 1 on top, like 1/2 or 1/3. The bottom number tells you how many of them fit in one whole. To count them across several wholes, multiply.
Your quick check picks one for you, but you can switch any time:
Level 0 Count pieces one whole at a time.
A. How many 1/2 pieces are in 1 whole?
The denominator 2 means 2 halves fill one whole.
B. How many 1/3 pieces are in 1 whole?
The denominator 3 means 3 thirds fill one whole.
C. How many 1/4 pieces are in 1 whole?
The denominator 4 means 4 fourths fill one whole.
Level 1 Now count across more than one whole.
A. How many halves (1/2) are in 2 wholes? (2 × 2)
Each whole has 2 halves, so 2 wholes → 2 × 2 = 4.
B. How many thirds (1/3) are in 2 wholes?
Each whole has 3 thirds, so 2 × 3 = 6.
Level 2 Stretch straight into dividing a whole by a fraction.
A. 3 ÷ 1/2 means "how many halves in 3 wholes?" What is it?
Each whole has 2 halves, so 3 × 2 = 6.
B. 2 ÷ 1/4 means "how many fourths in 2 wholes?" What is it?
Each whole has 4 fourths, so 2 × 4 = 8.
1. How many fourths (1/4) are in 1 whole?
The denominator 4 means 4 fourths fill one whole.
2. 2 ÷ 1/2 means "how many halves in 2 wholes?" What is it?
Each whole has 2 halves, so 2 × 2 = 4.
You've practiced exactly what Lesson 2-2 uses. Time to dive in.
Start Lesson 2-2 →