Solving Division Word Problems
Solving Division Word Problems is a Grade 5 math skill from Illustrative Mathematics Chapter 4 (Wrapping Up Multiplication and Division with Multi-Digit Numbers) where students translate real-world equal-sharing situations into division expressions and solve them. Problems involve finding the number of groups or the group size, using strategies like partial quotients or long division to compute multi-digit quotients.
Key Concepts
Property Word problems about sharing a total amount into equal groups can be solved using division. The expression is set up as: Total Amount $\div$ Size of Each Group = Number of Groups, or Total Amount $\div$ Number of Groups = Size of Each Group.
Examples A chef makes 448 ounces of noodle soup. If each bowl holds 16 ounces, how many bowls can the chef fill? The problem is solved by calculating $448 \div 16 = 28$. A noodle factory produces 952 feet of noodles. They want to package them into containers, with each container holding 28 feet of noodles. How many containers will they need? This is found by solving $952 \div 28 = 34$.
Explanation To solve a word problem with division, first identify the total amount (the dividend) and the size of each group or the number of groups (the divisor). Set up the division expression to represent the situation. Use strategies like partial quotients to find the answer, which represents the unknown quantity you were asked to find.
Common Questions
How do you set up a division word problem?
Identify the total amount (dividend) and either the group size or the number of groups (divisor). Set up the division: Total ÷ Group Size = Number of Groups, or Total ÷ Number of Groups = Group Size. Then solve.
What is an example of a multi-digit division word problem?
A chef makes 448 oz of soup. Each bowl holds 16 oz. How many bowls? 448 ÷ 16 = 28 bowls. A factory makes 952 feet of noodles packaged in 28-foot containers: 952 ÷ 28 = 34 containers.
What chapter covers division word problems in Illustrative Mathematics Grade 5?
Solving division word problems is covered in Chapter 4 of Illustrative Mathematics Grade 5, titled Wrapping Up Multiplication and Division with Multi-Digit Numbers.
What strategies can you use to solve multi-digit division?
Common strategies include partial quotients (estimate how many groups can be subtracted at once and work down), long division (standard algorithm), and using related multiplication facts to estimate the quotient.
How do you know if a word problem requires division?
Look for keywords like sharing equally, distributed equally, divided among, per, or each when a total is given. These signal that you need to divide the total by the number of groups or the size of each group.