MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS

MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS

Definition:

multiply

/ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪ/

verb -plies, -plying, -plied

1.

to increase or cause to increase in number, quantity, or degree

2.

(transitive) to combine (two numbers or quantities) by multiplication

3.

(intransitive) to increase in number by reproduction

Concept Meaning

There are 3 simple steps to multiply fractions

1. Multiply the top numbers (the numerators).

2. Multiply the bottom numbers (the denominators).

3. Simplify the fraction if needed.

Example:

1	×	2
2		5

Step 1. Multiply the top numbers:

1	×	2	=	1 × 2	=	2
2		5

Step 2. Multiply the bottom numbers:

1	×	2	=	1 × 2	=	2
2		5		2 × 5		10

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

2	=	1
10		5

Here you can see it with pizza ...

... and do you see how two-tenths is simpler as one-fifth?

Teaching Resources:

Here is a big multiplying fractions anchor chart!

Creating fraction board games will enable students to hone their fraction skills. It is inexpensive to make games, and you can use material that is commonly around the classroom. The games can be used repeatedly for general classwork or as centers. Although teachers can create the fraction games, allowing students to make games is faster because multiple games will be made in less time.

Things You'll Need

• Poster board
• Ready-made game boards
• Construction paper
• Markers
• Pen
• Paper
• Scissors
• Large envelope
• Tape
• Envelope
• Laminating machine and clear lamination sheets

Instructions

    

  Making the Game

Examine some ready-made game boards to get ideas so you can design your own. Look at boards that have standard squares or spaces requiring players to move pieces to get from a starting point to an ending point.

Purchase a piece of poster board and create a blank game board. Color the squares on each game board square one of four colors and rotate the colors so they are evenly spaced in an ordered pattern.
 

 Prepare old business cards or index cards to determine player actions. On the blank side of the business cards or index cards that have been cut in half widthwise, place a small colored line of marker that coordinates with the colors of your game board squares. Line about 25 cards for each of your four colors.

Create a card code by indicating that one color will be adding fractions, one will be subtracting fractions, another will be multiplying fractions and the last color will be dividing fractions.

Write fraction problems that coincide with their categories on the marked side of each index or business card. Shuffle the cards when you are finished and place them face down. If you are using old business cards, the printed side will face up.

Make a key indicating the correct answer for each problem so that players can check their answers if there is an answer dispute. This will allow students to play independently.

Cut four different colored strips of construction paper so that they are half an inch wide and one inch long. Fold each strip in half to make a small tepee-like piece. Use these as place markers.

Making Directions

Fold a standard piece of paper in half lengthwise and then in half widthwise so that it is in quarters. Open it so that it is doublefolded and two interior quarters face you like the inside of a small book.

Write your game directions inside the book. In this game, students take turns based on the alphabetical order of their first names. Each player selects a card in turn. If he solves the problem correctly, he moves forward to the colored square indicated on the card. If she gets the problem wrong, she moves backward two spaces. The first person to reach the end of the board wins.

Tape a large envelope to the back of the poster board. Insert directions in the envelope so that they will be accessible.

Documentation of Sources:
Definition: dictionary.com
Concept: http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_multiplication.html
How to make a game: http://www.ehow.com/how_6466072_make-fraction-board-games.html
Worksheet: created by me at: http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/math/multiply/
Anchor Chart: http://www.teachingwithamountainview.com/2013/04/multiplying-fractions.html


Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a whole number.

• CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4a Understand a fraction a/b as a multiple of 1/b. 

  7.M.1.2.2. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions and decimals; and add, multiply, and divide integers. (327.02.a, 327.02.d)