Activities to Teach Students to Divide Whole Numbers by Unit Fractions Using Models
Dividing whole numbers by unit fractions is a skill that students need to master in order to succeed in mathematics. However, this can be a challenging concept for many students to grasp. Luckily, using models can make it easier for students to visualize and understand this concept. Below are a few activities to teach students to divide whole numbers by unit fractions using models.
1. Using Number Lines
Number lines are a great tool for teaching students how to divide whole numbers by unit fractions. To start, draw a number line and label the whole numbers along the line. Then, divide the number line into equal parts based on the denominator of the unit fraction. For example, if dividing by 1/4, divide the number line into four equal parts.
Next, have the students mark where they would begin dividing the whole number on the number line. For example, if dividing 12 by 1/4, students would mark the number 12 on the number line. Then, have the students divide the whole number into equal parts using the unit fraction. In this case, students would jump by 1/4 until they reach the end of the number line.
2. Using Rectangular Arrays
Another way to use models to teach division of whole numbers by unit fractions is to use rectangular arrays. Draw a rectangle on a piece of graph paper and split it into equal parts based on the denominator of the unit fraction. For instance, if dividing by 1/3, split the rectangle into three equal parts.
Next, have students mark on the rectangle where they should begin dividing the whole number. For example, when dividing 9 by 1/3, students would mark the number 9 on the rectangle. Then, they can divide the whole number into equal parts by shading in the correct number of rectangles based on the unit fraction.
3. Using Fraction Bars
Fraction bars are another helpful model to teach students how to divide whole numbers by unit fractions. To start, draw a bar divided into equal parts based on the denominator of the unit fraction. For instance, if dividing by 1/5, divide the bar into five equal parts.
Next, have students mark on the fraction bar where they would begin dividing the whole number. For example, when dividing 10 by 1/5, students would mark the number 10 on the fraction bar. Then, they can divide the whole number into equal parts by shading in the correct number of bars based on the unit fraction.
In conclusion, teaching students to divide whole numbers by unit fractions can be a challenging task. However, using models such as number lines, rectangular arrays, and fraction bars can make the concept easier to understand. By using these activities, teachers can help students visualize and grasp the concept of division using unit fractions.