standard_description: Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem, distinguishing multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.
problem_activity: Narrative
In this activity, students recall what they know about division from grade 3. The context allows students to connect lived experiences to the math of the activity. By inviting students to consider treats that they enjoy in their homes or neighborhoods, they share experiences and foster connections that build community.
The first question gives students an opportunity to co-craft mathematical questions based on a situation before answering a question based on a division equation. Students divide a two-digit number by a one-digit divisor, as they did in grade 3, in a way that makes sense to them. The activity synthesis highlights different representations students made and relates them to the situation. The term
dividend
is re-introduced in this lesson to describe a number being divided into equal groups.
This activity uses
MLR5 Co-craft Questions
. Advances: writing, reading, representing
Action and Expression: Develop Expression and Communication.
Give students access to concrete manipulatives (connecting cubes, counters, or square tiles) and grid paper. Invite students to use these to act out or draw
\(84 \div 7\)
.
Supports accessibility for: Conceptual Processing, Attention
Launch
Groups of 2
“What are some of your favorite treats or snacks from home?”
30 seconds: quiet think time
1 minute: partner discussion
MLR 5: Co-craft Questions
Display the opening paragraph and the first question.
“Write a list of mathematical questions that could be asked about this situation.”
2 minutes: independent work time
2–3 minutes: partner discussion
Invite several students to share one question with the class. Record responses.
“How are these questions alike?” (The questions involve multiplying or dividing.) “How are they different?” (The questions can be answered using different operations.)
“Let’s look at the next question in the activity.”
Activity
3–4 minutes: quiet work time
Student Facing
Diego’s aunt is buying paletas, which are ice pops, for a class party. At the local market, paletas come in different flavors. She buys the same number of paletas of each flavor.
[IMG]
What mathematical questions can we ask about this situation?
Here is an equation:
\(84 \div 7 = {?}\)
In the situation about the class party, what questions could the equation represent?
Find the answer to one of the questions you wrote. Show your reasoning.
Student Response
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Advancing Student Thinking
If students are unsure how to write a division question for
\(84 \div 7\)
, consider asking:
“If you were to act out the meaning of this expression, what would you do?”
“If you were to explain its meaning, what would you say?”
“In what type of situations would these types of actions take place?”
Activity Synthesis
Display two questions that students wrote for the equation
\(84 \div 7 = {?}\)
.
“What does the 84 represent in both problems?” (The amount being divided into equal groups.)
“In mathematics, the number being divided is known as the
dividend
.”
Invite students to share their strategies for the last question. Highlight strategies that show equal-size groups and reasoning that relates multiplication and division.


aligns: no