Idea 14of 22Builds onSmaller pieces fit more times
Dividing by 1/3 is not dividing by 3
Is 4 ÷ 1/3 the same as 4 ÷ 3?
Today you'll discover
- how big 1/3 is next to 3
- why the two answers are far apart
- a check that catches this mix-up
Think firstSam says 4 ÷ 1/3 is 4 ÷ 3
Sam says 4 ÷ 1/3 is the same as 4 ÷ 3. Is he right?
Decide first, then press Next. Compare the small piece with one whole bar.
Four bars, each one whole, and one tinted piece a third as long set apart underneath. Then each bar cut into thirds, numbered 1 to 12. The last step shows 3 wholes and a quarter-long piece, and the sentence 3 ÷ 1/4 = 12.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
1/3 is smaller than 1, so 4 ÷ 1/3 = 12; 4 ÷ 3 is less than 2.
Compare them4 ÷ 3 is sharing: 4 wholes shared by 3 people, 1 1/3 each. 4 ÷ 1/3 is fitting: how many thirds fit in 4 wholes, 12.
Key word
- sharing
- dividing an amount into a number of equal shares, like 4 wholes shared by 3 people
Ready to use it?
- Pick the right answer when 1/3 and 3 both appear.
- Explain why 4 ÷ 1/3 is not 4 ÷ 3.