Solve word problems that multiply fractions
For your child, spotting multiplication inside a real situation is harder than doing the calculation, and it is the part that will matter most later. Scaling a recipe by 1 1/2, finding the area of a garden bed, or taking half of what is left are everyday versions. In 6th and 7th grade the same thinking powers ratio, rate, and percent problems, which appear throughout middle school.
In this video, your child will learn to solve word problems that multiply fractions.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
Kim has 3/4 of a pan of brownies. She gives 1/2 of them to friends. What part of the whole pan does she give?
Example 2
A baby giraffe is 6 feet tall. Its mother is 2 1/2 times as tall. How tall is the mother?
Your child's turn
Sam's garden is 4/5 of the yard. He plants carrots in 2/3 of the garden. What part of the yard has carrots?
The three key steps
- 1A fraction of it: multiply
- 2Multiply tops, then bottoms
- 3Mixed number: wholes, part, add
Mistakes to listen for
- Multiplying whole numbers and fractions separately, so 2 1/2 × 1 1/2 becomes 2 1/4 instead of 3 3/4.
- Adding when the problem says "half of," so half of 3/4 of a pizza becomes 1 1/4 instead of 3/8.
- Skipping the check for a sensible answer, so they accept that half of 6 1/2 yards of fabric is more than 6 yards.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
Join the clubMore kid-friendly lessons
More 5th grade Numbers & Place Value, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on multiplying fractions in real life, like recipes and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
Join the club