Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

In this learning activity, students watch a free animated video from Numberock with a catchy song. Using their prior knowledge of multiplication, they will be introduced to the concept of multiplying whole numbers by fractions through the song lyrics and animations of the video. Students are then tasked with completing missing lyrics from the song to help them multiply a fraction by a whole number.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.16
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a whole number times a fraction.

Vocabulary

Whole number
Fraction
Non-unit fraction
Unit fraction
Fraction less than one
Fraction greater than one
Visual fraction model
Equation
Decompose
Recompose
Compose

Knowledge

Students know:

Models or equations to represent multiplication situations.
The fraction a/b is equivalent to the unit fraction 1/b being iterated or "copied" the number of times indicated by the numerator, a.

Skills

Students are able to:

Model and explain how a non-unit fraction can be expressed as multiplication.
Multiply a whole number times any fraction less than one.
Solve word problems involving a whole number times a fraction using a visual fraction model and equation to represent the problem.

Understanding

Students understand that:

Previous work involving multiplication with whole numbers can be extended to fractions in showing multiplication as putting together equal-sized fractional groups.
Problem solving situations involving multiplication of a whole number times a fraction can be solved using a variety of strategies, models, and representations.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

model and explain a fraction as a multiple of a unit fraction.
multiply a whole number times any fraction less than 1 and justify the product.
solve word problems involving multiplying a whole number times a fraction using a visual model and equation to represent the problem.

Activity Details

Show students the video, Multiplying Fractions with Whole Numbers Song. You may want to turn on the closed captioning so students will be able to read along with the song lyrics or you may choose to play the video a second time for students.

Distribute the Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number worksheets containing missing lyrics. The parts of the lyrics that are missing also complete the equations in the song. If students complete the song lyrics correctly, they will be solving word problems involving multiplying a whole number by a fraction. Point this out to the students.

Ask the students to write an equation representing each word problem in the lyrics on their worksheet.

Ask students to draw a model of each word problem on their worksheet.

Assessment Strategies

The Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number worksheet can be used as an assessment as well as the equations and models students develop after watching the video.

Variation Tips

The teacher may need to use a word bank (see the key above for words to use).

Teachers may need to pair struggling students with other students.

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to make copies of the Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number Lyrics sheet (one per student).

Teacher's Key (can be used as a word bank).

https://youtu.be/NnyzzkIVNSQ

Approved Date

2020-06-30

Owner (Author)

mgsaboyd

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