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The unitary method

To find \(\dfrac{5}{6}\) of a collection of objects, we first find \(\dfrac{1}{6}\) and then multiply by 5.

12 purples hearts arranged in 2 rows of 6. The first two hearts are circled. 12 purples hearts arranged in 2 rows of 6. 10 of the hearts are circled in 5 lots of two.
\(\dfrac{1}{6}\) of 12 is 2 \(\dfrac{5}{6}\) of 12 is 10
\(\dfrac{1}{6}\) × 12 = 2 \(\dfrac{5}{6}\) × 12 = 10