Saxon Math Grade 5, Section 3: Fraction Multiplication & Division
In this unit, your child learns that a fraction can mean division, multiplies fractions by whole numbers and by fractions, and divides with unit fractions. Practical questions, such as finding 2/5 of 30 or sharing half a pan of lasagna among 5 people, show what each answer means. It follows fraction addition and subtraction and leads into geometry, volume, and measurement.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 3?
- Reading a fraction as division, so 4 ÷ 5 = 4/5, and writing sharing answers as fractions or mixed numbers. Learn more: Fractions as sharing, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4
- Finding a fraction of a number, like 2/5 of 30 = 12, and multiplying fractions, like 3/4 × 2/5 = 3/10. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Dividing with unit fractions, like 1/2 ÷ 5 = 1/10 or 4 ÷ 1/2 = 8, and explaining each answer with a drawing. 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
- Ask fraction-of questions with money, like 2/5 of $30. Let your child find 1/5 first, $6, then double it to find 2/5, $12.
- Share half a pan of lasagna among 5 people. Ask your child what part of the whole pan each person gets, 1/10, and to draw the cuts.
- Ask how many 1/2-cup servings are in 4 cups of soup or cereal. Let your child predict, then check that 4 ÷ 1/2 is 8.
Where kids can get stuck
- Saying 4 ÷ 5 can't be done because 4 is smaller than 5, instead of seeing each share is 4/5.
- Finding 1/5 of 30 but forgetting to multiply by 2 for 2/5, stopping at 6.
- Multiplying instead of dividing, so 4 ÷ 1/2 becomes 2 instead of 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 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.
- quotient
- What you get when you divide one number by another.
- product
- What you get when you multiply numbers together.
- unit fraction
- One equal part of a whole, like 1/4.
- of
- In math, often means multiply, so 1/2 of 8 means 1/2 × 8.
- mixed number
- A number written as a whole number plus a fraction, like 3 3/4.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplying and sharing 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 Saxon Math Grade 5 Section 3 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 5 Section 3 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.