NumIO math adventure

Fraction Division Rapids

Turn each division into a safe crossing by finding the reciprocal.

Learning goal

Divide fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal.

Skills you will practise

  • Fraction division
  • Reciprocals and simplifying

Worked examples

5/13 ÷ 2/3 = 15/26

  1. Division asks how many groups of the divisor fit in the dividend. Think of both fractions in the same-size parts: 5/13 = 15/39 and 2/3 = 26/39.
  2. A group the size of 2/3 contains 26 of these 39ths. The dividend has 15 such parts, so it is 15/26 of one divisor-size group. That count is 15 ÷ 26 = 15/26; dividing by 2/3 therefore multiplies by its reciprocal. Keep the dividend and invert only the divisor: 5/13 × 3/2 = 15/26.
  3. Check by multiplying the answer by the divisor: 15/26 × 2/3 = 5/13.

8/13 ÷ 2 = 4/13

  1. Divide 8/13 into two equal shares. Each share is 4/13.
  2. Dividing by 2 is multiplying by 1/2: 8/13 × 1/2 = 8/26 = 4/13.
  3. Check: 4/13 × 2 = 8/13.

Common mistake

Do not invert the dividend. Keep the first number and turn over only the divisor when changing division to multiplication.

Teach-back question

How can you check 5/13 ÷ 2/3 = 15/26 by using multiplication, and why do you invert only 2/3?

How to play

Read the short story, explore the visual model, and complete five untimed questions. Use the hint when you need a new way to think.

Classroom idea

Ask the learner to explain the model or strategy before choosing an answer, then celebrate a clear explanation as well as a correct result.

Frequently asked questions

What grade is “Fraction Division Rapids” for?

“Fraction Division Rapids” is a Grade 6 Math lesson in NumIO. It practises: fraction division, reciprocals and simplifying.

How does the “Fraction Division Rapids” mission work?

Each mission has five untimed questions. If an answer is not right yet you can try again, and the hint button offers another way to think.

Is “Fraction Division Rapids” free, and do I need an account?

Yes, it is free and there is no account or sign-up. Progress is saved in this browser, so you can come back and continue the mission later.

Back to the adventure map

Elementary math curriculum

First discoveries

Level 1

  • Tens and Ones to 100 — Read two-digit numbers and see how tens and ones build each number.
  • Twenty-Step Addition — Add and subtract within twenty, including missing parts of an equation.
  • Compare and Complete — Compare numbers with words and signs, then complete a missing-number equation.
  • Shape and Place — Name familiar shapes and describe where objects are using position words.
  • Measure and Tell Time — Compare lengths, measure with a simple unit, and read an hour on a clock.
  • Patterns and Groups — Continue repeating patterns, sort objects by a feature, and read a small count.

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Level 6