MAFS.5.NF.2.7Archived Standard

Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.
  1. Interpret division of a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number, and compute such quotients. For example, create a story context for (1/3) ÷ 4, and use a visual fraction model to show the quotient. Use the relationship between multiplication and division to explain that (1/3) ÷ 4 = 1/12 because (1/12) × 4 = 1/3.
  2. Interpret division of a whole number by a unit fraction, and compute such quotients. For example, create a story context for 4 ÷ (1/5), and use a visual fraction model to show the quotient. Use the relationship between multiplication and division to explain that 4 ÷ (1/5) = 20 because 20 × (1/5) = 4.
  3. Solve real world problems involving division of unit fractions by non-zero whole numbers and division of whole numbers by unit fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem. For example, how much chocolate will each person get if 3 people share 1/2 lb of chocolate equally? How many 1/3-cup servings are in 2 cups of raisins?
General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics
Grade: 5
Domain-Subdomain: Number and Operations - Fractions
Cluster: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
Cluster: Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions. (Major Cluster) -

Clusters should not be sorted from Major to Supporting and then taught in that order. To do so would strip the coherence of the mathematical ideas and miss the opportunity to enhance the major work of the grade with the supporting clusters.

Date Adopted or Revised: 02/14
Date of Last Rating: 02/14
Status: State Board Approved - Archived
Assessed: Yes
Test Item Specifications

  • Assessment Limits :
    For given fractions in items, denominators are limited to 1-20.
  • Calculator :

    No

  • Context :

    Allowable

Sample Test Items (4)

  • Test Item #: Sample Item 2
  • Question:

    Julio has 8 pounds of candy. He wants to put the candy into bags so that each bag has begin mathsize 12px style 1 half end style pound.

    Which equation shows how to calculate the number of bags of candy Julio can make?

     

  • Difficulty: N/A
  • Type: MC: Multiple Choice

  • Test Item #: Sample Item 3
  • Question:

    Julio has 12 pounds of candy. He wants to put the candy into bags so that each bag has begin mathsize 12px style 1 over 6 end style pound of candy. 

    How many total bags of candy can Julio make?

  • Difficulty: N/A
  • Type: EE: Equation Editor

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
5012070: Grade Five Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7712060: Access Mathematics Grade 5 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
5012065: Grade 4 Accelerated Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2019 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
5012015: Foundational Skills in Mathematics 3-5 (Specifically in versions: 2019 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Educational Games

Ice Ice Maybe: An Operations Estimation Game:


This fun and interactive game helps practice estimation skills, using various operations of choice, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, using decimals, fractions, and percents.

Various levels of difficulty make this game appropriate for multiple age and ability levels.

Addition/Subtraction: The addition and subtraction of whole numbers, the addition and subtraction of decimals.

Multiplication/Division: The multiplication and addition of whole numbers.

Percentages: Identify the percentage of a whole number.

Fractions: Multiply and divide a whole number by a fraction, as well as apply properties of operations.

Type: Educational Game

Fraction Quiz:

Test your fraction skills by answering questions on this site. This quiz asks you to simplify fractions, convert fractions to decimals and percentages, and answer algebra questions involving fractions. You can even choose difficulty level, question types, and time limit.

Type: Educational Game

Formative Assessments

Fractions Divided by Whole Numbers:

Students are given a division expression and asked to write a story context to match the expression and use a visual fraction model to solve the problem.

Type: Formative Assessment

Bags of Fudge:

Students are asked to solve a word problem involving division of a whole number by a fraction.

Type: Formative Assessment

Relay Race:

Students are asked to solve a word problem involving division of a fraction by a whole number.

Type: Formative Assessment

Whole Numbers Divided by Fractions:

Students are given a division expression and asked to write a story context to match the expression and use a visual fraction model to solve the problem.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plans

Natural Disaster Dividing Fractions:

In this lesson, students will extend learning of dividing unit fractions and whole numbers within the context of governmental response to an emergency situation.

Type: Lesson Plan

It's My Party and I'll Make Dividing by Fractions Easier if I Want to!:

During this lesson students will relate their understanding of whole number division situations to help them interpret situations involving dividing by unit fractions. They will then develop models and strategies for representing the division of a whole number by a unit fraction. 

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

Carnival Craziness!:

Learn to divide whole numbers by unit fractions as you help Allie and Cameron create equal shares of candy and prizes for guests at a carnival in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 2: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Number Lines:

Solve real-world word problems involving dividing a unit fraction by a whole number and dividing a whole number by a unit fraction using number lines in this chocolate-themed, interactive tutorial. 

This is part 2 of a 2-part series. Click HERE to open "Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 1: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Fraction Bar Models"

Click HERE to open the related tutorial, "David Divides Desserts: Divide a Unit Fraction by a Whole Number"

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 1: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Fraction Bar Models:

Divide unit fractions by whole numbers and divide whole numbers by unit fractions in this chocolate-themed, interactive tutorial.

This is part 1 of a 2-part series. Click HERE to open "Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 2: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Number Lines"

Type: Original Student Tutorial

David Divides Desserts: Divide a Unit Fraction by a Whole Number:

Learn to solve word problems involving division of a unit fraction by a whole number by using models, expressions, equations, and strategic thinking in this interactive, dessert-themed tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Share and Share Alike:

Learn how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number to share yummy picnic goodies equally in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Problem-Solving Tasks

How many servings of oatmeal?:

This task provides a context for performing division of a whole number by a unit fraction. This problem is a "How many groups?'' example of division: the "groups'' in this case are the servings of oatmeal and the question is asking how many servings (or groups) there are in the package.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Painting a room:

The purpose of this task is to provide students with a situation in which it is natural for them to divide a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number. Determining the amount of paint that Kulani needs for each wall illustrates an understanding of the meaning of dividing a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Origami Stars:

The purpose of this task is to present students with a situation in which they need to divide a whole number by a unit fraction in order to find a solution. Calculating the number of origami stars that Avery and Megan can make illustrates student understanding of the process of dividing a whole number by a unit fraction.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Salad Dressing:

The purpose of this task is to have students add fractions with unlike denominators and divide a unit fraction by a whole number. This accessible real-life context provides students with an opportunity to apply their understanding of addition as joining two separate quantities.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

How many marbles?:

This task is intended to complement "How many servings of oatmeal?" and "Molly's run.'' All three tasks address the division problem 4÷1/3 but from different points of view. This task provides a how many in each group version of 4÷1/3. This task should be done together with the "How many servings of oatmeal" task with specific attention paid to the very different pictures representing the two situations.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Dividing by One-Half:

This task requires students to recognize both "number of groups unknown" (part (a)) and "group size unknown" (part (d)) division problems in the context of a whole number divided by a unit fraction. It also addresses a common misconception that students have where they confuse dividing by 2 or multiplying by 1/2 with dividing by 1/2.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Banana Pudding:

The purpose of this task is to provide students with a concrete situation they can model by dividing a whole number by a unit fraction. For students who are just beginning to think about the meaning of division by a unit fraction (or students who have never cooked), the teacher can bring in a 1/4 cup measuring cup so that students can act it out. If students can reason through parts (a) and (b) successfully, they will be well-situated to think about part (c) which could yield different solution methods.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Professional Development

Fractions, Percents, and Ratios, Part A: Models for Multiplication and Division of Fractions:

This professional development module shows teachers how to use area models to understand multiplication and division of fractions.

Type: Professional Development

Teaching Idea

Divide Fractions:

This interactive resource provides three activities which model the concept of dividing fractions, as well as mixed numbers, by using number lines or circle graphs.  It includes the equation showing the standard algorithm.

Type: Teaching Idea

Tutorial

How Do You Divide Fractions?:

This five-minute video answers the question "Must one always invert and multiply?" when dividing fractions. An alternative algorithm is presented which works well in certain cases. The video focuses on sense-making in using either method, and on judging the reasonableness of answers.

Type: Tutorial

MFAS Formative Assessments

Bags of Fudge:

Students are asked to solve a word problem involving division of a whole number by a fraction.

Fractions Divided by Whole Numbers:

Students are given a division expression and asked to write a story context to match the expression and use a visual fraction model to solve the problem.

Relay Race:

Students are asked to solve a word problem involving division of a fraction by a whole number.

Whole Numbers Divided by Fractions:

Students are given a division expression and asked to write a story context to match the expression and use a visual fraction model to solve the problem.

Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades K-5

Carnival Craziness!:

Learn to divide whole numbers by unit fractions as you help Allie and Cameron create equal shares of candy and prizes for guests at a carnival in this interactive tutorial.

Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 1: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Fraction Bar Models:

Divide unit fractions by whole numbers and divide whole numbers by unit fractions in this chocolate-themed, interactive tutorial.

This is part 1 of a 2-part series. Click HERE to open "Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 2: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Number Lines"

Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 2: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Number Lines:

Solve real-world word problems involving dividing a unit fraction by a whole number and dividing a whole number by a unit fraction using number lines in this chocolate-themed, interactive tutorial. 

This is part 2 of a 2-part series. Click HERE to open "Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 1: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Fraction Bar Models"

Click HERE to open the related tutorial, "David Divides Desserts: Divide a Unit Fraction by a Whole Number"

David Divides Desserts: Divide a Unit Fraction by a Whole Number:

Learn to solve word problems involving division of a unit fraction by a whole number by using models, expressions, equations, and strategic thinking in this interactive, dessert-themed tutorial. 

Share and Share Alike:

Learn how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number to share yummy picnic goodies equally in this interactive tutorial.

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

Carnival Craziness!:

Learn to divide whole numbers by unit fractions as you help Allie and Cameron create equal shares of candy and prizes for guests at a carnival in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 2: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Number Lines:

Solve real-world word problems involving dividing a unit fraction by a whole number and dividing a whole number by a unit fraction using number lines in this chocolate-themed, interactive tutorial. 

This is part 2 of a 2-part series. Click HERE to open "Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 1: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Fraction Bar Models"

Click HERE to open the related tutorial, "David Divides Desserts: Divide a Unit Fraction by a Whole Number"

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 1: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Fraction Bar Models:

Divide unit fractions by whole numbers and divide whole numbers by unit fractions in this chocolate-themed, interactive tutorial.

This is part 1 of a 2-part series. Click HERE to open "Chocolate Shop Challenge Part 2: Dividing Unit Fractions and Whole Numbers Using Number Lines"

Type: Original Student Tutorial

David Divides Desserts: Divide a Unit Fraction by a Whole Number:

Learn to solve word problems involving division of a unit fraction by a whole number by using models, expressions, equations, and strategic thinking in this interactive, dessert-themed tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Share and Share Alike:

Learn how to divide a unit fraction by a whole number to share yummy picnic goodies equally in this interactive tutorial.

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Educational Games

Ice Ice Maybe: An Operations Estimation Game:


This fun and interactive game helps practice estimation skills, using various operations of choice, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, using decimals, fractions, and percents.

Various levels of difficulty make this game appropriate for multiple age and ability levels.

Addition/Subtraction: The addition and subtraction of whole numbers, the addition and subtraction of decimals.

Multiplication/Division: The multiplication and addition of whole numbers.

Percentages: Identify the percentage of a whole number.

Fractions: Multiply and divide a whole number by a fraction, as well as apply properties of operations.

Type: Educational Game

Fraction Quiz:

Test your fraction skills by answering questions on this site. This quiz asks you to simplify fractions, convert fractions to decimals and percentages, and answer algebra questions involving fractions. You can even choose difficulty level, question types, and time limit.

Type: Educational Game

Problem-Solving Tasks

How many servings of oatmeal?:

This task provides a context for performing division of a whole number by a unit fraction. This problem is a "How many groups?'' example of division: the "groups'' in this case are the servings of oatmeal and the question is asking how many servings (or groups) there are in the package.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Painting a room:

The purpose of this task is to provide students with a situation in which it is natural for them to divide a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number. Determining the amount of paint that Kulani needs for each wall illustrates an understanding of the meaning of dividing a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Origami Stars:

The purpose of this task is to present students with a situation in which they need to divide a whole number by a unit fraction in order to find a solution. Calculating the number of origami stars that Avery and Megan can make illustrates student understanding of the process of dividing a whole number by a unit fraction.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Salad Dressing:

The purpose of this task is to have students add fractions with unlike denominators and divide a unit fraction by a whole number. This accessible real-life context provides students with an opportunity to apply their understanding of addition as joining two separate quantities.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

How many marbles?:

This task is intended to complement "How many servings of oatmeal?" and "Molly's run.'' All three tasks address the division problem 4÷1/3 but from different points of view. This task provides a how many in each group version of 4÷1/3. This task should be done together with the "How many servings of oatmeal" task with specific attention paid to the very different pictures representing the two situations.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Dividing by One-Half:

This task requires students to recognize both "number of groups unknown" (part (a)) and "group size unknown" (part (d)) division problems in the context of a whole number divided by a unit fraction. It also addresses a common misconception that students have where they confuse dividing by 2 or multiplying by 1/2 with dividing by 1/2.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Banana Pudding:

The purpose of this task is to provide students with a concrete situation they can model by dividing a whole number by a unit fraction. For students who are just beginning to think about the meaning of division by a unit fraction (or students who have never cooked), the teacher can bring in a 1/4 cup measuring cup so that students can act it out. If students can reason through parts (a) and (b) successfully, they will be well-situated to think about part (c) which could yield different solution methods.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Problem-Solving Tasks

How many servings of oatmeal?:

This task provides a context for performing division of a whole number by a unit fraction. This problem is a "How many groups?'' example of division: the "groups'' in this case are the servings of oatmeal and the question is asking how many servings (or groups) there are in the package.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Painting a room:

The purpose of this task is to provide students with a situation in which it is natural for them to divide a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number. Determining the amount of paint that Kulani needs for each wall illustrates an understanding of the meaning of dividing a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Origami Stars:

The purpose of this task is to present students with a situation in which they need to divide a whole number by a unit fraction in order to find a solution. Calculating the number of origami stars that Avery and Megan can make illustrates student understanding of the process of dividing a whole number by a unit fraction.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Salad Dressing:

The purpose of this task is to have students add fractions with unlike denominators and divide a unit fraction by a whole number. This accessible real-life context provides students with an opportunity to apply their understanding of addition as joining two separate quantities.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

How many marbles?:

This task is intended to complement "How many servings of oatmeal?" and "Molly's run.'' All three tasks address the division problem 4÷1/3 but from different points of view. This task provides a how many in each group version of 4÷1/3. This task should be done together with the "How many servings of oatmeal" task with specific attention paid to the very different pictures representing the two situations.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Dividing by One-Half:

This task requires students to recognize both "number of groups unknown" (part (a)) and "group size unknown" (part (d)) division problems in the context of a whole number divided by a unit fraction. It also addresses a common misconception that students have where they confuse dividing by 2 or multiplying by 1/2 with dividing by 1/2.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Banana Pudding:

The purpose of this task is to provide students with a concrete situation they can model by dividing a whole number by a unit fraction. For students who are just beginning to think about the meaning of division by a unit fraction (or students who have never cooked), the teacher can bring in a 1/4 cup measuring cup so that students can act it out. If students can reason through parts (a) and (b) successfully, they will be well-situated to think about part (c) which could yield different solution methods.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

Tutorial

How Do You Divide Fractions?:

This five-minute video answers the question "Must one always invert and multiply?" when dividing fractions. An alternative algorithm is presented which works well in certain cases. The video focuses on sense-making in using either method, and on judging the reasonableness of answers.

Type: Tutorial