5.NF.3: Understanding Fractions as Division and Solving Fraction-Based Word Problems

Grade: 5th Grade

Domain: NF: Number and Operations—Fractions

Standard Description

Interpret a fraction as division of the numerator by the denominator (a/b = a ÷ b). Solve word problems involving division of whole numbers leading to answers in the form of fractions or mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. For example, interpret 3/4 as the result of dividing 3 by 4, noting that 3/4 multiplied by 4 equals 3, and that when 3 wholes are shared equally among 4 people each person has a share of size 3/4. If 9 people want to share a 50-pound sack of rice equally by weight, how many pounds of rice should each person get? Between what two whole numbers does your answer lie?

Domain Description

Add and subtract fractions with different denominators by changing them into equivalent fractions with like denominators to find the sum or difference. Word problems involving fraction addition and subtraction can be solved using visual models, equations and mental estimation. Incorrect results can be identified through comparison with benchmark fractions.

Interpret fractions as a division of its numerator and denominator. Solve word problems involving division of whole numbers resulting in fractions or mixed numbers using models and equations. This principle also applies when dividing whole quantities among several recipients.

Fractions can be interpreted in terms of partitions of a whole; for instance (a/b) × q is interpreted as 'a' parts of a division of 'q' into 'b' equal parts. This can be applied in context scenarios.

The area of rectangles with fractional side lengths can be found using the multiplication of side lengths, which can also be used to verify the result.

The size of a product can be compared to one of the factors without performing actual multiplication. By extension, multiplying a number by a fraction larger than 1 results in a larger product, and vice-versa.

Multiplying fractions can be used in solving real-world problems using models or equations. Division of