Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Making Math Matter: Multiplication of a Whole Number by a Fraction

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4, 5

Overview

In this video, teachers will learn classroom strategies for teaching how to multiply a whole number by a fraction in this professional development video from Making Math Matter.

    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.
    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

    MA19.5.12

    Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to find the product of a fraction times a whole number or a fraction times a fraction.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.5.12

    Vocabulary

    • Fraction
    • Fraction model
    • Whole number
    • Area
    • Area model
    • Linear model
    • Set model
    • Tiling
    • Unit squares
    • Equation

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • How to write an equation involving repeated addition with fractions as a multiplication equation of a whole number times the fraction.
      Example: 2/9 + 2/9 + 2/9 + 2/9 = 4 x 2/9 = 8/9.
    • The relationship of partial products to an area model when multiplying by two whole numbers.
    • Area of a rectangle is determined by multiplying side lengths and is found in square units.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Use previous understandings of multiplication to
    • Find products of a fraction times a whole number and products of a fraction times a fraction.
    • Use area models, linear models or set models to represent products.
    • Create a story context to represent equations (a/b) × q and (a/b) × (c/d) to interpret products.
    • Find area of rectangles with fractional side lengths and represent products as rectangular areas.
    • Find the area of a rectangle by tiling the area of a rectangle with unit squares.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Any whole number can be written as a fraction.
    • The general rule for multiplication involving fractions can be justified through visual models.
    • A variety of contextual situations can be represented by multiplication involving fractions.
    • Tiling with unit squares can be used to find the area of a rectangle with fractional side lengths.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    CUSTOM
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