• Education of Primary School Mathematics
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.113-127
• /
• 2019

The purpose of this study is to justify the fraction division algorithm in elementary mathematics by applying the definition of natural number division to fraction division. First, we studied the contents which need to be taken into consideration in teaching fraction division in elementary mathematics and suggested the criteria. Based on this research, we examined whether the previous methods which are used to derive the standard algorithm are appropriate for the course of introducing the fraction division. Next, we defined division in fraction and suggested the unit-circle partition model and the square partition model which can visualize the definition. Finally, we confirmed that the standard algorithm of fraction division in both partition and measurement is naturally derived through these models.

• East Asian mathematical journal
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.565-587
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyze the understanding of the meaning of fraction division and fraction division algorithm of elementary mathematical gifted students through the process of problem posing and solving activities. For this goal, students were asked to pose more than two real-world problems with respect to the fraction division of ${\frac{3}{4}}{\div}{\frac{2}{3}}$, and to explain the validity of the operation ${\frac{3}{4}}{\div}{\frac{2}{3}}={\frac{3}{4}}{\times}{\frac{3}{2}}$ in the process of solving the posed problems. As the results, although the gifted students posed more word problems in the 'inverse of multiplication' and 'inverse of a cartesian product' situations compared to the general students and pre-service elementary teachers in the previous researches, most of them also preferred to understanding the meaning of fractional division in the 'measurement division' situation. Handling the fractional division by converting it into the division of natural numbers through reduction to a common denominator in the 'measurement division', they showed the poor understanding of the meaning of multiplication by the reciprocal of divisor in the fraction division algorithm. So we suggest following: First, instruction on fraction division based on various problem situations is necessary. Second, eliciting fractional division algorithm in partitive division situation is strongly recommended for helping students understand the meaning of the reciprocal of divisor. Third, it is necessary to incorporate real-world problem posing tasks into elementary mathematics classroom for fostering mathematical creativity as well as problem solving ability.

• Communications of Mathematical Education
• /
• v.19 no.4 s.24
• /
• pp.715-731
• /
• 2005

There are five contexts of division algorithm of fractions such as measurement division, determination of a unit rate, reduction of the quantities in the same measure, division as the inverse of multiplication and analogy with multiplication algorithm of fractions. The division algorithm, however, should be taught by 'dividing by using reciprocals' via 'measurement division' because dividing a fraction by a fraction results in 'multiplying the dividend by the reciprocal of the divisor'. If a fraction is divided by a large fraction, then we can teach the division algorithm of fractions by analogy with 'dividing by using reciprocals'. To achieve the teaching-learning methods above in elementary school, it is essential for children to use the maniplatives. As Piaget has suggested, Cuisenaire color rods is the most efficient maniplative for teaching fractions. The instruction, therefore, of division algorithm of fractions should be focused on 'dividing by using reciprocals' via 'measurement division' using Cuisenaire color rods through analogy if necessary.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.105-122
• /
• 2014

In this paper, fraction division algorithms in Korean elementary mathematics textbooks are analyzed as a part of the groundwork to improve teaching methods for fraction division algorithms. There are seemingly six fraction division algorithms in ${\ll}Math\;5-2{\gg}$, ${\ll}Math\;6-1{\gg}$ textbooks according to the 2006 curriculum. Four of them are standard algorithms which show the multiplication by the reciprocal of the divisors modally. Two non-standard algorithms are independent algorithms, and they have weakness in that the integration to the algorithms 8 is not easy. There is a need to reconsider the introduction of the algorithm 4 in that it is difficult to think algorithm 4 is more efficient than algorithm 3. Because (natural number)${\div}$(natural number)=(natural number)${\times}$(the reciprocal of a natural number) is dealt with in algorithm 2, it can be considered to change algorithm 7 to algorithm 2 alike. In textbooks, by converting fraction division expressions into fraction multiplication expressions through indirect methods, the principles of calculation which guarantee the algorithms are explained. Method of using the transitivity, method of using the models such as number bars or rectangles, method of using the equivalence are those. Direct conversion from fraction division expression to fraction multiplication expression by handling the expression is possible, too, but this is beyond the scope of the curriculum. In textbook, when dealing with (natural number)${\div}$(proper fraction) and converting natural numbers to improper fractions, converting natural numbers to proper fractions is used, but it has been never treated officially.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.521-539
• /
• 2016

The structures of partitive and quotitive division of fractions are dealt with differently, and this led to using partitive division context for helping develop invert-multiply algorithm and quotitive division for common denominator algorithm. This approach is unlikely to provide children with an opportunity to develop an understanding of common structure involved in solving different types of division. In this study, I propose two approaches, measurement approach and isomorphism approach, to develop a unifying understanding of fraction division. From each of two approaches of solving quotitive division based on proportional reasoning, I discuss an idea of constructing a measure space, unit of which is a quantity of divisor, and another idea of constructing an isomorphic relationship between the measure spaces of dividend and divisor. These ideas support invert-multiply algorithm for quotitive as well as partitive division and bring proportional reasoning into the context of fraction division. I also discuss some curriculum issues regarding fraction division and proportion in order to promote the proposed unifying understanding of partitive and quotitive division of fractions.

• School Mathematics
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.439-454
• /
• 2010

This study presents how two eighth grade students generated their own algorithms in the context of fraction measurement division situations by modifications of unit-segmenting schemes. Teaching experiment was adopted as a research methodology and part of data from a year-long teaching experiment were used for this report. The present study indicates that the two participating students' construction of reciprocal relationship between the referent whole [one] and the divisor by using their unit- segmenting schemes and its strategic use finally led the students to establish an algorithm for fraction measurement division problems, which was on par with the traditional invert-and-multi- ply algorithm for fraction division. The results of the study imply that teachers' instruction based on understanding student-generated algorithms needs to be accounted as one of the crucial characteristics of good mathematics teaching.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.385-403
• /
• 2018

Fraction division can be categorized as partitive division, measurement division, and the inverse of a Cartesian product. In the contexts of quotitive division and the inverse of a Cartesian product, the multiply-by-the-reciprocal algorithm is drawn well out. In this study, I analyze the potential and significance of the method of using $1{\div}$(divisor) as an alternative way of developing the multiply-by-the-reciprocal algorithm in the context of quotitive division. The method of using $1{\div}$(divisor) in quotitive division has the following advantages. First, by this method we can draw the multiply-by-the-reciprocal algorithm keeping connection with the context of quotitive division. Second, as in other contexts, this method focuses on the multiplicative relationship between the divisor and 1. Third, as in other contexts, this method investigates the multiplicative relationship between the divisor and 1 by two kinds of reasoning that use either ${\frac{1}{the\;denominator\;of\;the\;divisor}}$ or the numerator of the divisor as a stepping stone. These advantages indicates the potential of this method in understanding the multiply-by-the-reciprocal algorithm as the common structure of fraction division. This method is based on the dual meaning of a fraction as a quantity and the composition of times which the current elementary mathematics textbook does not focus on. It is necessary to pay attention to how to form this basis when developing teaching materials for fraction division.

• Journal of Science Education
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.109-120
• /
• 2022

Fraction division is the content that is important but difficult to learn because it includes the process of finding a numerical expression in the real-world context, the process of making a context that matches a numerical expression, how to solve division, and the justification of standard algorithm. This study analyzes the word problems and problem solving methods about fraction division which elementary pre-service teachers represented. Pre-service teachers have more difficulty in making word problem where the dividend is less than the divisor and they also show typical errors in making the word problems. There were differences in the methods presented according to the contexts of division in problem solving. Through this study, it is necessary to rethink the teaching methods for fraction division instruction in the curriculum for pre-service teachers and analyze the formation process of 'knowledge for content and teaching' because of the differences in responses between grades.

• The Mathematical Education
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.217-230
• /
• 2013

This study attempts to propose the construction of textbook contents of fraction division and to suggest a method to strengthen the connection among problem context, manipulation activities and symbols by proposing an algorithm of dividing fractions based on problem contexts. As showing the suitable algorithm to problem context, it is able to understand meaningfully that the algorithm of fractions division is that of multiplication of a reciprocal. It also shows how to deal with remainder in the division of fractions. The results of this study are expected to make a meaningful contribution to textbook development for primary students.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.319-339
• /
• 2014

Recently, the discussion about division and partition of fraction increases in Korea's national curriculum documents. There are varieties of assertions arranging from the opinion that both interpretations are unintelligible to the opinion that both interpretations are intelligible. In this paper, we investigated a possibility that division and partition interpretation of fraction become valid. As a result, it is appeared that division and partition interpretation of fraction can be defined reasonably through expansion of interpretation of natural number. Besides, division and partition interpretation of fraction can be work in activity, such as constructing equation from sentence problem, or such as proving algorithm of fraction division.