Activity 5.3b: Fraction Multiplication

Math Activity: Modeling Multiplication

Purpose: Apply physical models for the multiplication of fractions.

Materials: Pattern blocks, paper & colored pencils.

A pattern blocks app Links to an external site..

Considerations: For these models we view a fraction as an equal part of a whole, and multiplication as "groups of" or an area.

Part 1: Pattern Blocks
Use two hexagons as one whole and the groups of model for multiplication to illustrate and explain the product.
Be sure to redo problem A.

1.  1/3 x 3/4
   Start with one whole as two hexagons:
   First find 3/4 of the whole, then find 1/3 of the 3/4.
   So, 1/3 of 3/4 is 1/4.
   
   
2.  3/4 x 1/3
   
   
3.  5/6 x 1/2
   
   
4.  1/4 x 2/3
   
   

Part 2: Area Model
Use the Area Model for multiplication with square as a whole to sketch the products.
Be sure to redo problem A.

1.  1/5 x 1/3
   
   So, 1/5 x 1/3 is 1/15 of a whole.
   
   
2.  1/2 x 2/3
   
   
3.  2/3 x 1/4
   
   
4.  1  1/2 x 1/3
   
   
5.  7/3 x 1/4