Eureka Math² Grade 5, Module 4: Multiplication and Division of Fractions
In this unit, your child explores multiplying and dividing with fractions: a fraction as division (2 ÷ 3 = 2/3), a fraction of a whole number, a fraction times a fraction, and division with unit fractions. A recurring question is whether multiplying will make the answer bigger or smaller. It follows decimal operations and prepares for volume, where multiplication returns in three dimensions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Module 4?
- Showing that 2 ÷ 3 = 2/3 by sharing 2 things equally among 3 people, and solving fair-share problems. Learn more: Fractions as sharing, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4
- Multiplying fractions by whole numbers and by fractions, like 5/8 × 16 = 10 or 2/3 × 3/4 = 1/2. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Comparing a product to its factors without calculating, knowing that 5 × 4/3 is more than 5. Learn more: When multiplying makes a number smaller
- Solving word problems with fractions and mixed numbers, like walking 3/4 of a 2 2/3-mile trail. Learn more: Multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes
- Dividing unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions, like 1/3 ÷ 2 = 1/6 and 2 ÷ 1/5 = 10. 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 2 pancakes among 3 people at breakfast. Ask your child how much each person gets, and help them connect 2 ÷ 3 to the fraction 2/3.
- Talk fractions on a walk: if the whole route is 2 miles and you have done 3/4 of it, how far have you gone? Let your child find 1 1/2 miles.
- Ask how many 1/5-hour chunks fit in a 2-hour afternoon. Let your child predict, then check that 2 ÷ 1/5 is 10 chunks of 12 minutes each.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing the fraction upside down, so 2 pancakes shared by 3 people becomes 3/2 instead of 2/3.
- Finding a common denominator before multiplying, as for adding, which makes the work longer and invites errors.
- Expecting division to shrink a number, so 2 ÷ 1/5 becomes 2/5 instead of 10.
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.
- product
- What you get when you multiply numbers together.
- factor
- One of the numbers being multiplied, like 6 or 4 in 6 × 4.
- unit fraction
- One equal part of a whole, like 1/4.
- scaling
- Thinking of multiplication as stretching or shrinking an amount.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
Want to help your child master fraction multiplication?
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 Eureka Math² Grade 5 Module 4 cover?
Eureka Math² Grade 5 Module 4 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.