Everyday Mathematics Grade 4, Unit 7: Multiplication of a Fraction by a Whole Number
In this unit, your child multiplies a fraction by a whole number, such as 3 × 2/5, and uses it to solve measurement word problems about distance, time, liquid volume, weight, and money. It follows division and angle measurement, and it leads into a final unit that puts all the fraction work to use in real problems.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 7?
- Multiplying a whole number by a fraction, such as 3 × 2/5 = 6/5, and turning products like 6/5 into mixed numbers. Learn more: Multiplying a fraction by a whole number
- Solving word problems about distance, elapsed time, liquid volume, weight, and money, including some with fractions and decimals. Learn more: Story problems about distance, time, and money
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 7 × 1/10?
- 7/70
- 1/70
- 7/10
How you can help
- Scale up a cold drink or smoothie: if one batch takes 2/3 cup of juice, ask your child how much juice 4 batches need, as a mixed number.
- Work out elapsed time on an outing: if you leave at 10:45 and get back at 1:20, ask your child how long you were gone.
- Count change at the store: pay $10 for items costing $6.75 and ask your child how much change should come back, and how they know.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by the whole number, so 4 × 3/8 becomes 12/32.
- Subtracting times like ordinary numbers, so 5:20 − 3:45 becomes 520 − 345 and gives 1:75.
- Adding 5 and 3/8 in a word problem that asks for 5 groups of 3/8.
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
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- multiple
- The product of a number and a whole number, like 6, 9, and 12 for 3.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with a numerator of 1, such as 1/4, naming one equal part.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, such as 2 1/4.
- elapsed time
- How much time passes between a start time and an end time.
- liquid volume
- How much liquid a container holds, measured in units like liters or cups.
- mass
- How heavy something is, measured in grams or kilograms.
Want to help your child master fractions times whole numbers?
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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 4 Unit 7 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 4 Unit 7 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
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.