Reveal Math Grade 5, Unit 9: Multiplication of Fractions
In this unit, your child connects fractions to division, so 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4, and then multiplies fractions by whole numbers and by other fractions. They model products with drawings and area, and learn to predict whether multiplying by a fraction makes a number bigger or smaller. It builds on adding fractions and leads into dividing fractions.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 9?
- Interpreting a fraction as the numerator divided by the denominator, and solving sharing problems with fraction answers. Learn more: Fractions as sharing, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4
- Multiplying fractions by whole numbers and by fractions, like 5/8 × 16 and 2/3 × 4/5, using drawings and area models. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Comparing a product with its factors, deciding whether multiplying by 3/4, 1, or 5/4 makes a number smaller, the same, or larger. Learn more: When multiplying makes a number smaller
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 food evenly, like 5 muffins among 4 people. Ask how much each person gets, written as a fraction and as a mixed number.
- Ask for a fraction of a group you can see, like 2/3 of 12 crackers or 3/4 of the 20 minutes until dinner. Ask your child to figure it out in their head.
- Fold a paper napkin in half, then in thirds, and shade one piece. Talk about why 1/2 of 1/3 is 1/6 of the whole napkin.
Where kids can get stuck
- Treating a sharing remainder as leftover, so 7 brownies shared by 2 people becomes '3 remainder 1' instead of 3 1/2 each.
- Multiplying a whole number by the top and the bottom, so 4 × 2/3 becomes 8/12 instead of 8/3.
- Finding a common denominator before multiplying, as when adding, which makes the work longer and invites errors.
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.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- factor
- A number that is multiplied by another number.
- unit fraction
- A fraction with 1 as its numerator, like 1/3.
- scaling
- Resizing a number by multiplying, making it bigger, smaller, or the same.
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts to show multiplication or division.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplying 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.
Join the club
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 5 Unit 9 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 5 Unit 9 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.