Learning Activity

Multiplying Fractions

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

In this interactive math learning activity from Math is Fun, students learn to solve multiplying fractions in 3 simple steps: multiply tops, multiply bottoms, and simplify. Students are able to watch a short video (16 seconds) demonstrating how to multiply fractions. They are given an example of a model and pen and paper solution for solving an equation and presented with a rhyme to help students remember the three steps for multiplying fractions.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.16

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

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.4.16

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.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will be 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.

Activity Details

Provide the students with a link to the website Multiplying Fractions from Math is Fun. 

The class will begin by reading the webpage including the 3 simple steps to multiplying fractions aloud together from the website. (The teacher may also choose to show students the video of the lesson instead of reading the website together.)

After reading the 3 simple steps together, click on the link to watch a 16-second video of the 3 simple steps in action. 

Call the students' attention to the representation of the model of multiplying fractions using pizza. Ask students, "Can you think of a real-world illustration for multiplying fractions?" Draw a model of one in your math journal. Allow students enough time to respond while you circulate around the room watching for struggling students. Discuss examples of student drawings.

Then call the students' attention to the pen and paper example of multiplying fractions and have them write and solve the equation for the real-world equation that accompanies the model they have just drawn in their math journals. You may also choose to draw a model on the board and have the students write and solve the equation that matches your model. Allow enough time for students to write and solve their equations while you circulate around the room watching for struggling students. Then, discuss the students' equations.

Call students' attention to the rhyme for solving multiplying fractions in 3 simple steps. Read the rhyme aloud together. (You may choose to read this rhyme aloud together every day you are working lessons on this concept to help students commit the rhyme to memory.)

Scroll down and finish reading the rest of the webpage aloud with students. Call students' attention to multiplying a whole number by a fraction and putting the whole number over one.

Scroll down to the section titled YOOO TOOO and have students click on the link to complete the quiz. Students should complete all ten questions in this section for their assessment.

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The ten questions in the section titled YOOO TOOO will be used as an assessment tool to check for mastery of the standard.

Variation Tips

The learning activity is also taught on a video from Math is Fun.  This is a great resource for struggling students to be able to watch the learning activity again at their own pace for better understanding. The video can even be assigned for home watching.

This learning activity could be completed as a whole class activity or as an individual activity.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

The teacher and students will need internet-connected devices to access the website. 

Digital Tools / Resources

https://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_multiplication.html

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

mgsaboyd
ALSDE LOGO

This site may contain links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties or links to websites and features in banners or other advertising. Such external links are not investigated, monitored, or checked for accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness by us. WE DO NOT WARRANT, ENDORSE, GUARANTEE, OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY INFORMATION OFFERED BY THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES LINKED THROUGH THIS SITE.
Alabama Learning Exchange © 2002-2023 by Alabama State Department of Education is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Design by Adaptive Theme