Multiply the tops, then the bottoms, then simplify: 2/3 × 1/4 = 2/12 = 1/6. A whole number works the same way: 2/3 × 12 = 24/3 = 8.
productthe answer to ×
ofmeans multiply: 1/2 of 8 is 1/2 × 8
simplifydivide the top and bottom by the same number
arealength × width, in square units
Watch for: Finding a common denominator first, as if adding. Multiplying the whole number into the top and the bottom: 1/2 × 4 is 2, not 4/8. Expecting a bigger answer: multiplying by a fraction less than 1 gives less.
At home: Fold paper in thirds one way and fourths the other. Shade 2 thirds, then 1 fourth across: the overlap is 2 of 12 parts, so 2/3 × 1/4 = 1/6.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Multiplying fractions · 5.NF.B.4
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
A fraction of a number
2/3 of 12 is 2 × 12 ÷ 3.
13× 12 =23× 15 =15× 25 =12× 6 =
Fraction times fraction
Multiply the tops, multiply the bottoms, then simplify.
25×12=12×14=110×38=56×12=15×23=16×58=
Area with fractions
Area = length × width.
A rectangle is 1/2 m by 1/3 m. Its area is
A rectangle is 3/4 m by 3/4 m. Its area is
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 5 · Multiplying fractions · 5.NF.B.4
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
A fraction of a number
2/3 of 12 is 2 × 12 ÷ 3.
13× 12 =423× 15 =1015× 25 =512× 6 =3
Fraction times fraction
Multiply the tops, multiply the bottoms, then simplify.
A rectangle is 1/2 m by 1/3 m. Its area is1/6 sq m
A rectangle is 3/4 m by 3/4 m. Its area is9/16 sq m
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.
