Multiplying A Whole Number and a Fraction

Lesson Frame

• We will represent and solve problems involving multiplication of a whole number and a fraction.
• I will represent and solve problems involving multiplication of a whole number and a fraction.

Activity

Today we began working with multiplying a fraction and a whole number using the algorithm. I am always looking to make this a little fun, so I found a riddle on Teachers Pay Teachers that was actually a free download called Halloween Fractions Riddle:

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I found that, while I loved the activity, it was actually too high level for my students.  We do not multiply fractions by fractions, so I modified it to fit our needs:

Mummy Riddle

The first problem was 1/4 x 8.  

• We wrote the problem on notebook paper, then we rewrote 8 as 8/1.
• Then we multiplied across:
• 1 x 8 = 8
• 4 x 1 = 4
• Then we changed our improper fraction into a mixed number.
• 8 divided by 4 = 2

We continued the process through the first 7 or so problems, then I allowed them to start working on their own.  I did allow for them to work together with the provision that working together does not mean waiting for someone else to complete the problem and then copying their work.

We did not get this completely finished, so we will continue working on it tomorrow.

Assignment

Students did complete a Fifth Grade Builder.

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