Dividing Fractions Word Problems

After students learn how to divide with whole numbers, they will begin to practice how to solve word problems that involve dividing fractions and decimals. Having a good understanding of math key words and different situations in which one should divide is an essential skill to have. If you are looking for some word problems for your student to practice dividing fractions, Teach Starter has a resource ready for you! Questions that you will find in these task cards include those such as:

A seamstress is sewing pants. Each pair of pants takes ⅜ of a yard of fabric. If the seamstress has 24 yards of fabric, how many pairs of pants can she make?

Jess bought ten cups of grapes at the farmer’s market. If she divides the grapes into bags that contain ⅖ cups each, how many bags will she have?

To complete this activity, cut the task cards out and place them in a center or around the room as a “Scoot” activity. Students will read each question and solve the problem. Provide each student with a recording sheet to write down their answers.

Through this activity, students interpret and compute quotients of fractions and solve word problems involving division of fractions and whole numbers. The fractions used in these task cards involve a variety of unit fractions and those with numerators other than 1.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use these dividing fractions task cards to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts:

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If there are students who need additional support, invite them to reference previous anchor charts, posters, or assignments. Additionally, this activity can be completed in a 1-on-1 setting or with a small group of students.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who are fast finishers, encourage them to write their own word problems that involve dividing fractions. Students can then trade with a fellow classmate to solve.

🛴 Scoot Activity 

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point.

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring.

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.

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This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and Teach Starter Collaborator.