Math 6 Lesson

Dividing Fractions with Tape Diagrams

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6th Gradegradual-releaseCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.150 min

Learning Objective

Students will interpret and compute quotients of fractions by modeling division with tape diagrams and applying the inverse-operation algorithm (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.1).

Lesson Overview

Students use tape diagrams to build conceptual understanding of dividing a fraction by a fraction, then connect the visual model to the keep-change-flip algorithm. Tasks are leveled (Level 1 → Level 3) to scaffold the release of responsibility.

Materials

Paper
Pencils
Whiteboard and markers

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

Level 1 — Tape Diagram (unit fraction divisor)

A ribbon is

\frac{2}{3}

of a yard long. You cut it into pieces that are each

\frac{1}{3}

of a yard. How many pieces do you get?

1. Draw a tape diagram partitioned into thirds. Shade

\frac{2}{3}

.
2. Circle each

\frac{1}{3}

group inside the shaded part.
3. Write and solve:

\frac{2}{3} \div \frac{1}{3} = ?

2Task 2

Level 1 — Tape Diagram (unit fraction divisor)

You have

\frac{4}{5}

of a pizza. Each person gets

\frac{1}{5}

of the whole pizza. How many people can be served?

1. Draw a tape diagram partitioned into fifths. Shade

\frac{4}{5}

.
2. Circle each

\frac{1}{5}

group.
3. Write and solve:

\frac{4}{5} \div \frac{1}{5} = ?

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