Maths
Fractions
Maths | Year 6 | Fractions | Dividing Fractions | Lesson 2 of 3: Fractions Word Problems
Aim
• I can answer word problems that involve dividing proper fractions by
whole numbers.
Success Criteria
• I can change the whole number into a proper fraction.
• I can invert the whole number fraction and change the division symbol
to the multiplication symbol.
• I can multiply the numerators together first and multiply the
denominators together second.
• I can reduce a fraction to its simplest form by dividing the numerator
and denominator by the greatest common factor.
Dividing Fractions
Look at this word problem:
Let’s visualise the fraction
problem using a bar model to
understand how to solve it.
Dividing Fractions
Next, we are told that Lauren is
sharing the chocolate between five
friends. We can divide the bar
horizontally to represent this.
Whole bar of chocolate
Number of
friends sharing
the chocolate
Chocolate to be shared
Dividing Fractions
Now, when we combine these two bar models, we will be able to see how
much of the shared chocolate each friend gets:
Method
We now know that solving the word problem involves dividing a proper fraction
by a whole number. If we want to, we can use the fraction rules to find the
answer without drawing the bars.
1
Change the whole number into a fraction.
2
Change the division sign to a multiplication sign.
3
Invert (flip) the second fraction.
4
Multiply the numerators together.
5
Multiply the denominators together.
6
If necessary, simplify the answer by dividing by
the greatest common factor.
Partner Questions
Have a go at solving this word problem using either method:
Partner Questions
Have a go at solving this word problem using either method:
Dividing Fractions Problems
Dividing Fractions
Action Game
What is the correct answer to the fraction calculation? Perform the action.
Pat your head.
Tap your nose.
Wave your
arms.
Clap your
hands.
Dividing Fractions
Action Game
What is the correct answer to the fraction calculation? Perform the action.
Pat your head.
Tap your nose.
Wave your
arms.
Clap your
hands.
Dividing Fractions
Action Game
What is the correct answer to the fraction calculation? Perform the action.
Pat your head.
Tap your nose.
Wave your
arms.
Clap your
hands.
Aim
• I can answer word problems that involve dividing proper fractions by
whole numbers.
Success Criteria
• I can change the whole number into a proper fraction.
• I can invert the whole number fraction and change the division symbol
to the multiplication symbol.
• I can multiply the numerators together first and multiply the
denominators together second.
• I can reduce a fraction to its simplest form by dividing the numerator
and denominator by the greatest common factor.
https://mrnussbaum.com/word-problemsresulting-with-fractions-as-answers-online
https://www.education.com/game/dinofishing-fraction-word-problems/