“Of” means multiply. Write the multiplication, change any mixed number to a fraction, multiply the tops and the bottoms, then simplify: 1/4 × 1/3 = 1/12.
ofmeans multiply
mixed numbera whole and a fraction, like 1 2/3
improper fractiontop as big as or bigger than the bottom
simplifydivide the top and bottom by the same number
Watch for: Adding the fractions instead of multiplying them. Multiplying only the fraction part of a mixed number: 1/2 × 1 2/3 is 5/6, not 1 1/3. Answering as a part of the part instead of the whole pan: 1/4 instead of 1/12.
At home: Make half of a recipe together. Work out each new amount, like 1/2 of 3/4 cup, before measuring.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Multiplying fractions in stories · 5.NF.B.6
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Story problems
Write the multiplication, then solve.
Zed has 1/2 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?
A recipe needs 3 1/4 cups of flour. Nova makes 1/2 of the recipe. How much flour is that?
Nova has 2/3 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?
A recipe needs 1 1/2 cups of flour. Zed makes 1/2 of the recipe. How much flour is that?
Zed has 3/5 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?
A recipe needs 2 3/4 cups of flour. Luna makes 3/4 of the recipe. How much flour is that?
Nova has 1/2 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Multiplying fractions in stories · 5.NF.B.6
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Story problems
Write the multiplication, then solve.
Zed has 1/2 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?1/4
A recipe needs 3 1/4 cups of flour. Nova makes 1/2 of the recipe. How much flour is that?13/8 cups
Nova has 2/3 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?1/3
A recipe needs 1 1/2 cups of flour. Zed makes 1/2 of the recipe. How much flour is that?3/4 cups
Zed has 3/5 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?3/10
A recipe needs 2 3/4 cups of flour. Luna makes 3/4 of the recipe. How much flour is that?33/16 cups
Nova has 1/2 of a pan of brownies and eats 1/2 of it. What part of the whole pan is that?1/4
Answer key
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
