🔢 Mathematics · Fractions

Dividing fractions (unit fractions)

Interpret and compute division of a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number (e.g. 1/3 ÷ 4 = 1/12); use visual models and the relationship between multiplication and division to explain the result

Typical age: 10–11 years

“If your child has 1/3 of a bag of rice and splits it into 4 equal portions, can they work out what fraction of the whole bag each portion is — and explain why the answer is smaller than 1/3?”

0 / 3 mastered

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Needs first

Fractions of a whole (age 10+)REQUIRED
Understanding fraction as division supports interpreting 1/3 ÷ 4
Multiplying fractions (age 10+)REQUIRED
Unit-fraction ÷ whole uses inverse relationship with fraction multiplication

Unlocks next

Dividing by Fractions
Understanding unit-fraction ÷ whole helps contrast with whole ÷ unit-fraction
Dividing fractionsREQUIRED
Dividing fraction by fraction extends Y5 dividing unit fractions by whole numbers
Mixed & Improper FractionsREQUIRED
Four operations with all number types builds on dividing unit fractions
Dividing unit fractions and whole numbersREQUIRED
Word problems require unit-fraction ÷ whole number skill