Dividing a whole number by a unit fraction means finding how many parts of that fraction fit into the whole number. A unit fraction has a numerator of 1, such as 12 or 13.
When you divide by a fraction, the answer is larger than the whole number because you are finding how many small parts fit inside the whole.
To divide a whole number by a unit fraction, multiply the whole number by the fraction’s denominator.
You can remember this with the phrase: “To divide by a fraction, multiply by its denominator.”
When dividing by a unit fraction, you are asking how many small fractional parts fit into a whole. The smaller the fraction, the more of them fit inside one whole number—so the answer increases.
Smaller fractions make larger answers when dividing because you are counting more of them to make the whole.
Understanding how to divide by unit fractions helps in solving real-world problems, like measuring, sharing, and cooking.
Dividing by unit fractions helps you find how many times a smaller part fits into a larger whole. It’s a useful skill in everyday situations.