Idea 13of 22Builds on12 thirds is still 4 wholes
Smaller pieces fit more times
Why does dividing by a unit fraction give a bigger number?
Today you'll discover
- what happens as the piece gets smaller
- why 3 ÷ 1/6 is more than 3 ÷ 1/2
- why dividing can make a bigger number
Think firstFour strips, each 3 wholes long
Into the same 3 wholes, which fits more times: 1/2 or 1/6?
Decide first, then press Next. Every strip is the same length; only the pieces change.
Four strips, each 3 wholes long, with thick lines between the wholes. They are cut into halves, thirds, quarters and sixths; the first piece of each is tinted. At the right: 3 ÷ 1/2 = 6, 3 ÷ 1/3 = 9, 3 ÷ 1/4 = 12, 3 ÷ 1/6 = 18. A line under them: same 3 wholes, the smaller the piece, the more fit. The last step shows 2 wholes in halves, quarters and eighths.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
Dividing by a unit fraction counts small pieces, so the smaller the piece, the bigger the answer.
Compare them3 ÷ 3 = 1: a big group of 3 fits once. 3 ÷ 1/3 = 9: a small piece fits many times. Same amount, different divisor.
Easy to get wrongDividing makes smaller only when you divide by more than 1. A unit fraction is less than 1.
Key word
- divisor
- the number you divide by; in 3 ÷ 1/6, the divisor is 1/6
Ready to use it?
- Say which unit fraction fits more times into the same amount.