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Modeling Fraction Division, Equal Groups, Group Size Unknown!
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Challenge Problem Answer Key: The Very Slow Sloth
This activity sheet helps you explore different ways to solve the following challenge problem:
A sloth travels 3/4 of a yard in 2/3 of an hour. At that rate, how far does the sloth travel in
1 hour?
A. Try Estimating
1. Round to the nearest half.
Distance
Time
Travel in 1 Hour
1 yard
1/2 hour
2 yards
Maximum estimate
1 yard
1 hour
1 yard
1/2 yard
1/2 hour
1 yard
1/2 yard
1 hour
1/2 yard
Minimum estimate
2. I estimate that the sloth will travel between 1/2 and 2 yards in 1 hour.
B. Try a Bar Model
In the model below, one bar represents the distance the sloth has traveled (3/4 yard). The other
bar represents the time it took to travel that distance (2/3 hour).
1. Shade the models to represent 3/4 yard and 2/3 of an hour.
Distance in yards Time: Fraction of an hour
3/4 yard in 2/3 of an hour
2/3 + 1/3 = 1 hour
If we know how far the sloth travels in 1/3 hour, we can multiply this by 3 (or add it 3 times)
to find the distance it travels in 1 hour.
