Reveal Math Grade 4, Unit 8: Multiplication of Fractions
In this unit, your child multiplies a fraction by a whole number, first seeing 3/4 as 3 × 1/4 and then solving problems like 5 × 2/3 as repeated groups. It builds on adding fractions with like denominators from the previous unit, since multiplying is repeated adding, and it comes just before the unit on decimals.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 8?
- Multiplying a whole number by a fraction, such as 5 × 2/3 = 10/3, and solving word problems with groups of a fractional amount. Learn more: Multiplying a fraction by a whole number
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
- Count groups of fractions when you portion snacks: if each of 4 people gets 3/8 of a bag of pretzels, ask how many bags that takes in all.
- Turn a walk into multiplying: if a lap around the block is 3/10 of a mile, ask your child how far 4 laps are.
- Ask your child to estimate first: is 6 × 5/8 more or less than 6? More or less than 3? Then find the exact product together.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by the whole number, so 3 × 2/5 becomes 6/15, which still equals 2/5.
- Leaving 15/8 as the answer without seeing that it is 1 7/8, almost 2.
- Adding the whole number and the fraction 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
- unit fraction
- A fraction with a numerator of 1, such as 1/4, naming one equal part.
- multiple
- The product of a number and a whole number, like 6, 9, and 12 for 3.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- groups of
- Equal sets of the same amount; 4 groups of 2/3 is 4 × 2/3.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, such as 2 1/4.
- numerator
- The top number of a fraction, which tells how many equal parts are counted.
- denominator
- The bottom number of a fraction, which tells how many equal parts make the whole.
Want to help your child master multiplying fractions by 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 Reveal Math Grade 4 Unit 8 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 4 Unit 8 covers this math standard. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 4.NF.B.4: Multiply a fraction by a whole number, like 2 × 3/4.
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.