Lesson 5: Divide Unit Fractions by Non-Zero Whole Numbers

Property

A tape diagram models fraction division by visually representing the dividend and the divisor.

1. Whole Number ÷ Unit Fraction ($a \div \frac{1}{b}$): Draw $a$ wholes and partition each whole into $b$ equal parts. The total number of parts is the quotient.
2. Unit Fraction ÷ Whole Number ($\frac{1}{b} \div a$): Draw one whole, represent the fraction $\frac{1}{b}$, and then partition that fractional part into $a$ equal pieces. The size of one new piece relative to the whole is the quotient.

Examples

Property

To divide a unit fraction $\frac{1}{b}$ by a whole number $c$, partition the segment from $0$ to $\frac{1}{b}$ on a number line into $c$ equal parts. The length of one new part is the quotient.

Examples