standard_description: Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.
Grade 3 expectations in this domain are limited to fractions with denominators 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8.
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this Number Talk is for students to demonstrate strategies and understandings they have for dividing a whole number by a unit fraction. These understandings will be helpful later in this lesson when students match situations to equations and solve the equations.
Launch
Display one expression.
“Give me a signal when you have an answer and can explain how you got it.”
1 minute: quiet think time
Activity
Record answers and strategy.
Keep expressions and work displayed.
Repeat with each expression.
Student Facing
Find the value of each expression mentally.
\(6 \div 1\)
\(6 \div \frac {1}{2}\)
\(6 \div \frac {1}{3}\)
\(6 \div \frac {1}{6}\)
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
“Why is the quotient getting larger with each problem?” (Because we are dividing the same number into smaller sized groups so there are going to be more groups.)


aligns: no