Bridges in Mathematics Grade 5, Unit 5: Multiplying & Dividing Fractions
In this unit, your child learns what happens when fractions meet multiplication and division. They see 3/4 as 3 ÷ 4, find a fraction of a number, predict whether a product will be larger or smaller, and divide with unit fractions like 1/3. It builds on multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals, and comes before graphing, geometry, and volume.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Seeing a fraction as division, so 3 pizzas shared by 4 people gives each person 3/4 of a pizza. Learn more: Fractions as sharing, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4
- Multiplying a whole number or a fraction by a fraction, like 2/3 of 12 or 1/2 × 3/4. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Predicting whether a product is greater or less than a factor by asking whether the other factor is more or less than 1. Learn more: When multiplying makes a number smaller
- Solving real problems with fractions and mixed numbers, like making 1 1/2 batches of a recipe that uses 2/3 cup. Learn more: Multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes
- Dividing a unit fraction by a whole number, like 1/2 ÷ 4, and a whole number by a unit fraction, like 3 ÷ 1/4. Learn more: Dividing with fractions, like 1/2 ÷ 4
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
What is 4 ÷ 7?
- 0
- 4/7
- 7/4
How you can help
- Share food fairly: 3 muffins among 4 people. Ask your child how much each person gets, and help them see that 3 ÷ 4 is 3/4 of a muffin.
- Halve a recipe together. If it calls for 3/4 cup of milk, ask your child for 1/2 of 3/4, then check the answer, 3/8 cup, with your measuring cups.
- Count scoops while measuring flour: how many 1/4-cup scoops fill a 2-cup bowl? Let your child predict, then scoop to check that 2 ÷ 1/4 is 8.
Where kids can get stuck
- Saying 3 ÷ 4 cannot be done because 3 is smaller, instead of seeing each share is 3/4.
- Believing multiplication always makes numbers bigger, so 1/2 × 8 = 4 looks like a mistake.
- Dividing the whole number by the denominator, so 1/2 ÷ 4 becomes 2 instead of 1/8.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- numerator
- In 3/4, the 3: the number of equal parts being counted.
- denominator
- In 3/4, the 4: the number of equal parts the whole is cut into.
- quotient
- What you get when you divide one number by another.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/3 or 1/8.
- product
- What you get when you multiply numbers together.
- scaling
- Resizing a number by multiplying, making it larger, smaller, or keeping it the same.
- mixed number
- A number written as a whole number plus a fraction, like 3 3/4.
- dividend
- The amount you start with and split up in a division problem.
- divisor
- The number that tells how many groups, or how big each group is, in division.
Want to help your child master multiplying and dividing fractions?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 5 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 5 Unit 5 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 5.NF.B.3: Understand a fraction as division, like 2 ÷ 3 = 2/3.
- 5.NF.B.4: Multiply fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5 or 5/8 × 16.
- 5.NF.B.5: See how multiplying by a fraction can make a number bigger or smaller.
- 5.NF.B.6: Solve word problems that multiply fractions and mixed numbers.
- 5.NF.B.7: Divide with fractions, like 1/2 ÷ 4 and 5 ÷ 1/3.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.