Zearn Math Grade 5, Mission 4: Multiplication and Division of Fractions and Decimals
In this unit, your child multiplies and divides with fractions and decimals. They see a fraction as division, find a fraction of an amount, multiply fractions by fractions, and divide with unit fractions. They also write and evaluate expressions that show these steps and predict when a product will be smaller or larger. Next comes volume and area.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 4?
- Showing that a fraction is a division, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4, and writing sharing answers as fractions or mixed numbers. Learn more: Fractions as sharing, like 3 ÷ 4 = 3/4
- Finding a fraction of a set or a number, like 3/4 of 20, and multiplying fractions by fractions and by decimals. Learn more: Multiplying fractions, like 2/3 × 4/5
- Predicting the size of a product by comparing the fraction factor with 1, before doing any calculation. Learn more: When multiplying makes a number smaller
- Solving real-world problems that multiply fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals, like finding 2/3 of 4.5 meters of ribbon. Learn more: Multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes
- Dividing a unit fraction by a whole number and a whole number by a unit fraction, using tape diagrams and number lines. Learn more: Dividing with fractions, like 1/2 ÷ 4
- Evaluating expressions that mix fractions and grouping symbols, like (3/4 + 1/4) × 6, by solving the parentheses first. Learn more: Solving number sentences with parentheses
- Writing expressions from words, like 'half the sum of 6 and 2,' and comparing expressions without calculating them. Learn more: Turning words into number sentences
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
- Find fractions of a group at home, like 3/4 of 20 minutes or 2/5 of 15 crackers. Ask your child to explain how they found each one.
- Divide a snack into equal shares, like half a bag of popcorn for 3 people. Ask what fraction of the whole bag each person gets.
- Compare two expressions at the store, like 3 × $1.50 and 1/2 × $1.50. Ask your child which is bigger, and why, before anyone calculates.
Where kids can get stuck
- Writing a sharing fraction upside down, so 2 sandwiches shared by 5 people becomes 5/2 each instead of 2/5.
- Expecting multiplying by any fraction to shrink a number, even a factor greater than 1, like 5/4.
- Multiplying instead of dividing, so 6 ÷ 1/2 gets 3 instead of 12.
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.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- 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.
- expression
- Numbers and symbols that show a value, like (5 + 7) × 3, with no equal sign.
- parentheses
- The symbols ( ) that group the part of an expression to work out first.
- mixed number
- A whole number and a fraction together, like 2 1/2.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with fraction and decimal operations?
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 Zearn Math Grade 5 Mission 4 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 5 Mission 4 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.
- 5.OA.A.1: Solve problems with parentheses and brackets, working inside first.
- 5.OA.A.2: Turn words into calculations like (5 + 7) × 3, and explain them.
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.