Into Math Grade 5, Unit 3: Multiply and Divide Fractions
In this unit, your child learns that a fraction is also a division, so 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4. From there they multiply fractions and mixed numbers, predict whether a product will be bigger or smaller than a factor, and divide with unit fractions. Real problems, like scaling recipes, tie it together. It follows adding fractions and leads into decimal place value.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- 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 fractions by whole numbers and by other fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5, and modeling the product with area drawings. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Predicting whether multiplying by a fraction will make a number bigger, make it smaller, or keep it the same, without calculating. Learn more: When multiplying makes a number smaller
- Solving real-world problems that multiply fractions and mixed numbers, such as making 1 1/2 batches of a recipe. Learn more: Multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes
- Dividing unit fractions by whole numbers, and whole numbers by unit fractions, using drawings and stories to explain each quotient. 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 snacks evenly, like 3 granola bars among 4 people. Ask how much each person gets, and write it both as a division and as a fraction.
- Make 1 1/2 batches of a favorite no-cook recipe, like trail mix. Ask your child to work out each new amount, then measure it together.
- Ask quick 'bigger or smaller?' questions on a walk or ride: is 3/4 of 20 more or less than 20? What about 5/4 of 20? Ask your child to explain why.
Where kids can get stuck
- Saying 3 ÷ 4 cannot be done because 3 is smaller than 4, instead of seeing that each share is 3/4.
- Believing multiplication always makes a number 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
- The top number in a fraction, telling how many parts you have.
- denominator
- The bottom number in a fraction, telling how many equal parts make a whole.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- scaling
- Resizing a number by multiplying, making it bigger, smaller, or the same.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/3.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
- dividend
- The number being divided.
- divisor
- The number you divide by.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with fraction multiplication and division?
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 Into Math Grade 5 Unit 3 cover?
Into Math Grade 5 Unit 3 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.