Division Word Problems

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Before we try to solve a word problem with division, you must learn how to read the problem.

There are two steps in every division word problem:

1. the total number of objects
2. the equal sharing or dividing of the total number of objects

Take a look at these two steps in action!

Six students sold 438 concert tickets altogether. Each student sold the same number of tickets. How many tickets did each student sell?

1. The total number of objects: The students sold 438 concert tickets altogether. So, 438 is the total number of tickets.
2. The equal division of the total number of objects: Each student sold equal amounts of tickets. The total number of tickets is equally divided by six students.

Another way to look at a division problem is to use a model like the one below:

Now, we can solve our problem:

Each student sold 73 tickets.

Let’s look at another example.

The baker put 216 cookies equally into eight jars.

• How many cookies are there in each jar?

Try the problem on your own paper. First, choose your method. You can use the two steps to help you read the problem, or draw a model to help you visualize the problem.

• Did you get an answer of 27 cookies?

Great job!

Read the explanation below. If you made a mistake, correct your answer.

First, use the two-step method:

1. The total number of objects: 216 cookies
2. How many equal groups? 8 jars

Next, look at the model:

Now, we can divide to find the quotient:

There are 27 cookies in each jar.

• Which method do you like to use?
• Do you like to use the two steps to read the problem or draw the model?

Use your new strategies in the Got It? section to solve word problems on your own.