Dividing Multi-Digit Numbers

Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.

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Standard: 5.NBT.B6 – Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.

Grade level: Grade 5

Subject: Mathematics

Domain: Number & Operations in Base Ten

Teacher Overview

This standard focuses on developing students’ ability to divide larger numbers using various strategies, including place value and properties of operations. Mastery of this skill is crucial as it forms the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts and real-world problem-solving. Students should be comfortable with basic division and multiplication, understand place value, and be able to relate multiplication to division.

After mastering this standard, students will be able to tackle more complex division problems, including those involving decimals, and will have a solid understanding of the properties of operations.

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Common Misconception 1

Students may think that division always results in a smaller number. This misconception arises because they often see division as simply splitting a number into smaller parts.

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Intervention 1

Use visual aids like area models and rectangular arrays to show that the quotient can be larger than the divisor, depending on the context of the problem.

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Common Misconception 2

Students may confuse the divisor and the dividend, leading to incorrect calculations. This confusion is often due to a lack of practice and familiarity with the terms.

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Intervention 2

Provide practice with labeled diagrams and reinforce the terminology consistently to help students remember the roles of the divisor and dividend.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should understand basic division and multiplication facts, place value concepts, and the relationship between multiplication and division.

Subsequent Knowledge

Students will develop skills in performing more complex division problems, including those involving decimals, and will gain a deeper understanding of the properties of operations.

Instructional Activities

  • Use place value charts to divide large numbers.
  • Practice division with rectangular arrays.
  • Solve word problems involving division of large numbers.
  • Create area models to illustrate division problems.

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