Go Math! Grade 5, Chapter 7: Multiply Fractions
In this unit, your child multiplies fractions by whole numbers and by other fractions, uses area models, and predicts whether a product will be greater or less than the number they started with. Real-life problems, such as halving a recipe, show why it matters. Following the unit on adding and subtracting fractions, this one sets up dividing fractions next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 7?
- Multiplying fractions by whole numbers and by fractions with area models, like 3/4 × 2/3 = 6/12 = 1/2. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Predicting whether a product is greater or less than a factor, like knowing 4/5 × 9 is less than 9. Learn more: When multiplying makes a number smaller
- Solving real-life problems with fractions and mixed numbers, like halving a recipe that calls for 1 1/4 cups. Learn more: Multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes
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
The blue part of the rectangle shows 1/3 × 2/5, and the whole rectangle is 1. What is 1/3 × 2/5?
- 2/15
- 2/13
- 3/8
How you can help
- Halve a recipe together, like one that calls for 1 1/4 cups of rice. Ask your child for half that amount, 5/8 cup, and talk about why the answer is smaller.
- Draw a rectangle and shade 2/3 of it one way, then 3/4 of it the other way. Ask your child what fraction is shaded twice, 6/12 or 1/2.
- Ask fraction questions about time: what is 3/4 of an hour in minutes? What is 2/3 of 45 minutes? Let your child find 45 and 30 minutes.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding instead of multiplying when a problem says “half of,” so half of 3/4 becomes 1 1/4 instead of 3/8.
- Multiplying a whole number into both the numerator and the denominator, so 4 × 2/3 becomes 8/12.
- Skipping the sense check, accepting that half of 6 1/2 yards of fabric is more than 6 yards.
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, like 24 in 6 × 4 = 24.
- factor
- A number you multiply by another number to get a product.
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts to show multiplication.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/3 or 1/8.
- scaling
- Resizing a number by multiplying, making it larger, smaller, or keeping it the same.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
- numerator
- The top number of a fraction, which counts how many parts you have.
- denominator
- The bottom number of a fraction, which tells how many equal parts make a whole.
Want to help your child master multiplying with 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 Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 7 cover?
Go Math! Grade 5 Chapter 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.