Lesson 6.2Dividing with Mixed Numbers
Start hereWords, worked example, and sentence starters
Learning target I can explain what dividing a fraction by a fraction means, find the quotient with common denominators or by multiplying by the reciprocal, and check it by multiplying.
Start hereWords for this lesson
Read each word before you begin. Say it out loud.
| Word | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| DividendSpanish: Dividendo | The total number being divided into equal groups (the number inside the division bracket). | In 3/4 ÷ 1/2, the dividend is 3/4 — the total amount being split |
| DivisorSpanish: Divisor | The number of equal groups you are dividing into (the number outside the division bracket). | In 3/4 ÷ 1/2, the divisor is 1/2 — the size of each group |
| ReciprocalSpanish: Recíproco | A fraction turned upside down. | 9/4 → 4/9 |
| QuotientSpanish: Cociente | The answer when you divide. | 27/4 ÷ 9/4 = 3 |
| SimplifySpanish: Simplificar | To write a fraction with smaller numbers that names the same amount, like 2/4 = 1/2. | 2/4 = 1/2 |
| Mixed numberSpanish: Número mixto | A whole number and a fraction written together, like 2 1/2. It must be rewritten as an improper fraction before dividing. | 2 1/2 |
How it worksWorked example
These numbers are not on your problems. The steps are. Follow them with your own numbers.
A ribbon is 6 3/4 meters long. Each bow uses 2 1/4 meters. How many bows can be made?
- Convert: 6 3/4 = 27/4 and 2 1/4 = 9/4.
- Multiply by the reciprocal: 27/4 × 4/9 = 108/36.
- Simplify: 108/36 = 3. Check: 3 × 2 1/4 = 6 3/4.
Answer: 3 bows
Say it and write itSentence starters
Finish each sentence out loud with a partner. Then use them in your writing.
- I changed to the improper fraction .
- To convert, I multiplied by the whole number and added the top.
- Then I multiplied by the reciprocal .
- The quotient means that many groups fit inside.
Word bank mixed numberimproper fractionreciprocalquotientconvertnumeratordenominatorflipmultiply acrosssimplifyleft overgroups
Watch out!A common mistake
A common mistake in Divide Fractions is flipping the wrong fraction: students flip the dividend (the first fraction) instead of the divisor (the second fraction). For example, solving 3/4 ÷ 5/8 by flipping 3/4 to 4/3 and keeping 5/8 gives 4/3 × 5/8 = 20/24 = 5/6
Lesson 6.2Dividing with Mixed Numbers
Apply Day · Version ASupported practice
Learning target I can explain what dividing a fraction by a fraction means, find the quotient with common denominators or by multiplying by the reciprocal, and check it by multiplying.
-
1Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Find 2/5 ÷ 1/10.
Show your workHint Keep 2/5. Change ÷ to ×. Flip 1/10.
Final answer: -
2Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Find 1 1/2 ÷ 1/4.
Show your workHint Change 1 1/2 to an improper fraction first.
Final answer: -
3Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Find 3/8 ÷ 3/4.
Show your workHint Keep 3/8. Flip 3/4. Multiply and simplify.
Final answer:
Lesson 6.2Dividing with Mixed Numbers
Apply Day · Version BCore practice
Learning target I can explain what dividing a fraction by a fraction means, find the quotient with common denominators or by multiplying by the reciprocal, and check it by multiplying.
-
1Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Ben finds 2/3 ÷ 4/9. He flips the 2/3 instead of the 4/9. Find the correct answer.
Show your workFinal answer: -
2Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Find 9/10 ÷ 3/5. Write your answer as a mixed number.
Show your workFinal answer: -
3Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Find 7/8 ÷ 1/4. Write your answer as a mixed number.
Show your workFinal answer:
Lesson 6.2Dividing with Mixed Numbers
Apply Day · ChallengeExtension
Learning target I can explain what dividing a fraction by a fraction means, find the quotient with common denominators or by multiplying by the reciprocal, and check it by multiplying.
-
1Circle the letter of the best answer. Show how you know.
What is the value of 2 1/4 ÷ 3/8?
- A1/6
- B2 2/3
- C6
- D27/32
Show your work -
2Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Lee says 4/5 ÷ 2/5 is less than 4/5, because division makes numbers smaller. Find the quotient.
Show your workFinal answer: -
3Complete each step, then write the final answer.
Find 7/9 ÷ 2/3. Write your answer as a mixed number.
Show your workFinal answer: