Grade 5 Math (Illustrative Mathematics) Lesson
Breaking Apart to Divide: Whole Number Division with Area Models and Partial Quotients
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5th GradeBTC Style / Thinking Classrooms5.NBT.640 min
Learning Objective
Students will divide multi-digit whole numbers by 1- and 2-digit divisors using area models and partial quotient strategies, interpreting remainders in context (5.NBT.6).
Lesson Overview
Students progress from dividing 2-digit dividends by 1-digit divisors using area models, through 3- and 4-digit dividends, to dividing by 2-digit divisors using partial quotients — changing only one variable at a time.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper
- Dry-erase markers (multiple colors if available)
- Pencil and paper
Scaffolded Task Progression
1Task 1
Use the area model below to find .
The rectangle has a total area of and a width of . Split it into two parts that are easy to divide by .
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
What is ?
The rectangle has a total area of and a width of . Split it into two parts that are easy to divide by .
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
What is ?
2Task 2
Now find using an area model.
Draw a rectangle with width and total area . Split it into place-value-friendly parts.
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
What is ?
Draw a rectangle with width and total area . Split it into place-value-friendly parts.
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
What is ?
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