Grade 5 Mathematics
To multiply fractions: Multiply the numerators, then multiply the denominators!
No common denominators needed - multiplication is actually EASIER than addition!
Remember: Multiplying by a fraction less than 1 gives a SMALLER answer!
Multiply the numerators: 2 x 1 = 2
Multiply the denominators: 3 x 4 = 12
Write your answer: 2/12 = 1/6 (simplified)
What is 1/2 x 2/3? Let's see it with a picture!
This rectangle is divided into 3 columns and 2 rows (6 total parts)
Shade 2/3 horizontally (2 columns of 3)
Shade 1/2 vertically (1 row of 2)
The overlap (dark purple) = 2 out of 6 = 2/6 = 1/3
Write the whole number as a fraction over 1!
When you multiply by a fraction less than 1, your answer is SMALLER than what you started with.
Why? Because "1/2 x 1/3" means "half OF a third" - you're taking a PART of something!
Think of it as: "What is 1/2 of 1/3?" The answer (1/6) is smaller than both!
WRONG: Some students try to find common denominators like in addition. You DON'T need to!
RIGHT: Just multiply straight across: numerator x numerator, denominator x denominator. That's it!
1. 12 x 13 =
Numerators: ___ x ___ = ___ Denominators: ___ x ___ = ___
2. 34 x 25 =
Don't forget to simplify if you can!
3. 4 x 23 =
Hint: Write 4 as 4/1 first!
4. A recipe needs 3/4 cup of sugar. If Maria wants to make 1/2 of the recipe, how much sugar does she need?
Equation: ______ x ______ = ______
Answer: Maria needs ______ cup of sugar.