Imagine this: Your child is confidently solving multiplication problems, but suddenly, they hit a major roadblock—multiplying a whole number by a fraction. They wonder:
- “Why does 5 × 2/3 give me a smaller number than 5?”
- “Isn’t multiplication supposed to make numbers bigger?”
- “What does it actually mean when I multiply by a fraction?”
If these questions confuse your child, they’re not alone. Many students struggle with this concept because they don’t have a clear visual understanding of what’s happening. And without that foundation, fractions become a major hurdle—leading to frustration and math anxiety.
Why Is Dividing by a Fraction So Confusing?
For many students, dividing whole numbers by fractions can feel like an unsolvable puzzle. If division typically makes numbers smaller, then why does 6 ÷ 3/4 result in a number larger than 6? This confusion often leads to frustration, making it difficult for students to grasp more advanced math concepts in the future.
The issue? Traditional teaching methods rely on memorization instead of understanding. Without visual models or real-world applications, many students struggle to make sense of fraction division. But what if we could make learning fractions fun, engaging, and easy to understand?
Here is a quick link to each of the three blog Posts in this series:
Mastering Fractions: Understanding the Basics with Engaging Videos Tutorials!
Master Fractions: Multiplying & Dividing Fractions: Unlocking Math Success for Your Child!
I
Book 8
Multiplying a Whole Number by a Fraction
Cracking the Code with Visual Models ️
Here’s the key: Multiplication doesn’t always mean “making bigger”—it means “scaling.”
Let’s break it down with an example:
If you take 5 apples and only eat 2/3 of them, do you have more apples or fewer? ➡️
This is why multiplying by fractions reduces the number—you’re taking a “fractional part” of something whole.
Without visual models, many kids struggle to grasp this logic. That’s why our step-by-step video tutorials make all the difference!
What Your Child Will Learn in This Lesson:
✅ Illustrating Fraction Multiplication: Using visual aids to “see” why the answer is smaller.
✅ Breaking Down Each Step: Easy-to-follow video tutorials that make fractions click.
✅ Building Long-Term Math Confidence: Once your child truly understands fractions, they’ll excel in algebra, geometry, and beyond!
Mathematical Model
Challenge 1: Evian-Drinking Kangaroo (Watch Me!)
Scenario: You are a scientist studying the strange occurrence of a kangaroo that drinks nothing but Evian water. You are tasked with the job of making sure that the kangaroo drinks the correct amount of water. You have 5 bottles of Evian water. You must feed the kangaroo exactly 2/3 of the Evian water. How much water will you give the kangaroo?
A kangaroo only drinks Evian water. You have 5 bottles and need to give it exactly 2/3 of the water.
➡️ How much does the kangaroo drink?
Watch the free video tutorial:
Challenge 2: Long-Eared Carrot Eaters (Work With Me!)
Scenario: Ever since you were tiny-tiny you loved bunnies. For your last birthday, your parents bought you two baby bunnies. You love petting their long ears as they nibble away at their food. Last night you gave them 6-carrots. They ate 4/7 of the carrots. How much did your Long Eared Carrot Eaters eat?
You have two baby bunnies who munch on 6 carrots. They eat only 4/7 of the carrots.
➡️ How many carrots did they eat?
Follow along with this interactive video tutorial:
Challenge 3: Pink Flamingo Research (On Your Own!)
Scenario: You are a biologist researching pink flamingos and their diet. You are tasked with the job of discovering how much they eat. You watch as a pink flamingo eats 11 shrimp. However, you notice that the flamingo only eats 3/4 of each shrimp. The flamingo spits the rest of the shrimp into the water, where tiny fish nibble at the remains. How much shrimp have you observed the pink flamingos eat?
A flamingo eats 11 shrimp, but only 3/4 of each shrimp before spitting the rest out.
➡️ How much shrimp did the flamingo actually eat?
Try solving it, then check your answer in this video!
Drill & Kill
This is where we Drill until we Kill all our mistakes!
Problem 12/3 x 5 = ? |
Problem 24 x 2/7 = ? |
Problem 33 x 4/6 = ? |
Problem 41/6 x 8 = ?
|
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
Book 9
Dividing a Whole Number by a Fraction
Engaging Real-World Scenarios That Bring Math to Life!
At TeachersDungeon, we believe in making math interactive and relatable. That’s why we’ve created a series of video challenges featuring fun, real-world scenarios where students see math in action. Each challenge presents a unique problem that encourages critical thinking and hands-on learning.
Key Learning Objectives:
✔️ Visualize fraction division with interactive models
✔️ Apply math to real-life scenarios for deeper understanding
✔️ Strengthen problem-solving skills through guided practice
Mathematical Model
Lazy Lion Pride
The laziest lions in Africa have 6 trees to nap in. Each tree is divided into 3/4 sections for the lions to sleep.
➡️ How many lions can nap in the 6 trees?
Mathematical Meerkats
A group of meerkats finds 3 scorpions to eat. Each meerkat needs 2/3 of a scorpion for a full meal.
➡️ Is there enough food for all 4 meerkats?
Wet Willy the Playful Pup
After a swim, Wet Willy shakes water onto 3 paintings. He starts licking the water off the paintings. He licks 3/5 of a painting at a time.
➡️ How many licks does it take to clean all 3 paintings?
Drill & Kill
This is where we Drill until we Kill all our mistakes!
Problem 12/3 ÷ 5 = ? |
Problem 24 ÷ 2/7 = ? |
Problem 33 ÷ 4/6 = ? |
Problem 41/6 ÷ 8 = ? |
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
Book 10
Multiplying Fractions
Mathematical Model
The Key to Understanding Multiplying Fractions
The secret to mastering fraction multiplication lies in visual learning! By using illustrated models, students can clearly see why multiplying fractions works the way it does.
Case Study:
A Real Classroom Success Story Many of my students, including those with ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning disabilities, struggled with fractions—until we introduced step-by-step video tutorials and the Play, Pause, and Copy Method. Using this approach, students watched me solve problems, paused the video to copy the steps, and followed along at their own pace. The results? Nearly every student mastered multiplying fractions and passed their Common Core Proficiency Exam!
Ferlon the High-Fiving Tortoise ✋
Ferlon walks 5/7 km and high-fives for 3/8 of the time. What portion of the distance is spent giving high-fives? Watch the Free Tutoring Video!
Pinky Tuskadaro the Calculating Orangutan
Pinky calculates math problems 6/7 of his waking hours. If he’s awake for 3/5 of the day, how much of the day is spent calculating? Watch the Free Tutoring Video!
Wrong Way John the Wandering Giraffe
John travels 3/4 miles but is lost 3/8 of the time. How far does he wander aimlessly?
Try to solve this problem on your own. Then: Press PLAY and watch the math tutorial video below. Be sure to copy these strategies into your notes.
Drill & Kill
This is where we Drill until we Kill all our mistakes!
Problem 12/3 x 5/8? |
Problem 23/4 x 2/7? |
Problem 34/5 x 3/6? |
Problem 45/6 x 4/9? |
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
All of my math books are included FREE with your membership to The Teacher’s Dungeon.
Book 11
Dividing Fractions
Mathematical Model
Why Is Dividing Fractions So Confusing?
Dividing fractions can feel like a mystery. Why does 1/2 ÷ 1/4 give an answer larger than both fractions? Shouldn’t division make numbers smaller? This concept trips up many students, leading to frustration and confusion in advanced math.
Without visual models, it can be hard to grasp why division sometimes results in a larger number. Many children struggle with:
✅ Misunderstanding how to apply fraction division rules
✅ Trouble visualizing how many smaller fractions fit into a larger one
✅ Losing confidence in their math skills due to confusing concepts
But don’t worry—we’ve got a foolproof strategy to make fraction division click!
Interactive Learning That Makes Sense ✨
At TeachersDungeon, we believe math should be engaging and easy to understand. That’s why we use:
Step-by-Step Video Tutorials – Your child can pause, replay, and work through problems at their own pace.
Guided & Independent Practice – Each lesson includes “Watch Me,” “Work With Me,” and “On Your Own” challenges.
Not so “Real-World” Scenarios – From hungry grizzly bears to singing camels, our lessons bring math to life!
Here’s how we break it down:
1️⃣ Watch & Learn: Students observe how to solve fraction division problems.
2️⃣ Practice Together: They complete guided exercises with support.
3️⃣ Go Solo: Independent problems reinforce mastery and confidence.
How to Divide Fractions Like a Pro
Let’s explore some real-world math challenges to make fraction division easy and fun!
Terrance the Ticklish Mule
Terrance eats 4/5 pounds of alfalfa daily. His owner portions it into 2/7 pound servings. How many portions does he get? Hint: How many 2/7’s fit into 4/5?
Now – Press PLAY and watch the math tutorial video below. Then copy these strategies into your notes.
Honovi the Honey-Loving Grizzly Bear
Honovi found 4/5 pounds of honey. She divides it into portions of 5/8 pound each. How many servings does she get?
Solve It Yourself & Check the Answer!
Now – Press PLAY and watch the math tutorial video below. Then copy these strategies into your notes.
Soaring Sally the Daredevil Sea Turtle
Soaring Sally is a thrill-seeking sea turtle who loves to dive deep and ride the ocean currents. She has 2/5 pounds of crab. If she eats the crab in 3/8 pound mouthfuls, how many mouthfuls will she have? Hint: How many 3/8’s are in 2/5?
Get Ready to Learn
Now – Press PLAY and watch the math tutorial video below. Then copy these strategies into your notes.
Drill & Kill
This is where we Drill until we Kill all our mistakes!
Problem 12/3 ÷ 5/8? |
Problem 23/4 ÷ 2/7? |
Problem 34/5 ÷ 3/6? |
Problem 45/6 ÷ 4/9? |
Once you complete the problem – Hit PLAY on the math tutorial video below. Good Luck!
Unlock Even More Learning Opportunities!
All of my math books are included FREE with your membership to The Teacher’s Dungeon. Don’t miss out on this incredible resource—empower your child’s learning journey today! Visit The Teacher’s Dungeon to get started.
Case Study: How Fraction Division Clicked for Emily
Emily, a 5th grader, struggled with dividing fractions. She couldn’t understand why the answers were larger than the original numbers. Her parents turned to TeachersDungeon’s video tutorials and guided practice.
✅ Step 1: Emily followed along with “Watch Me” problems.
✅ Step 2: She paused, took notes, and solved “Work With Me” exercises.
✅ Step 3: Finally, she tackled “On Your Own” problems independently.
Within weeks, Emily mastered fraction division, gained confidence, and aced her math test!
One Last Thing
If you like this post and found it helpful, please leave a brief comment. As a teacher, perhaps the greatest reward I receive is from parents, children, and fellow teachers who use my strategies of education and succeed.
My mission in life and as an educator is to make people feel empowered, self-assured, and happy about who they are in this world! We all have gifts to bestow upon our world. Go forth and do so, and know that you are awesome!