standard_description: Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.
Grade 4 expectations in this domain are limited to fractions with denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 100.
problem_activity: Narrative
This Number Talk encourages students to look for and use the structure of base-ten numbers and properties of operations to mentally find the value of division expression (MP7). The reasoning elicited here will be helpful later in the lesson when students find quotients of multi-digit numbers.
Launch
Display one expression.
“Give me a signal when you have an answer and can explain how you got it.”
Activity
1 minute: quiet think time
Record answers and strategy.
Keep expressions and work displayed.
Repeat with each expression.
Student Facing
Find the value of each expression mentally.
\(48 \div 3\)
\(480 \div 3\)
\(528 \div 3\)
\(5,\!280 \div 3\)
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
“How is each expression related to the one before it?”
Consider asking:
“Who can restate _____’s reasoning in a different way?”
“Did anyone have the same strategy but would explain it differently?”
“Did anyone approach the problem in a different way?”
“Does anyone want to add on to _____’s strategy?”


aligns: no