Education Technology

Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number

Subject Area
Math: Elementary Math: Fractions
Level
K-5
Activity Time
30 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
Resource Types
Lessons

Multiplying Fractions by a Whole Number

Activity Overview

This activity uses a number line to develop multiplication of a fraction by a whole number. It builds on the earlier concept that the product of two whole numbers r and s is r sets, each containing s elements.

About the Lesson

This TI-Nspire™ lesson uses a number line to develop multiplication of a fraction by a whole number. It builds on the earlier concept that the product of two whole numbers r and s is r sets, each containing s elements. Using the same reasoning in the context of a number line, the product of c and the fraction bc-ax-a-b would be c copies of bc-ax-a-b , which is equivalent to ca copies of  bc-ax-1-b. Students learn how to mark a “unit” such as bc-ax-2-3 on a number line (e.g., a product is sold in units of bc-ax-2-3 of a pound) and visualize the value of 5 copies of bc-ax-2-3 (e.g., the amount you would have with five units).

Students should be familiar with the following vocabulary: unit fraction, factors, improper fraction, and mixed number covered in earlier activities.

This is Lesson 9 out of 15 in the Building Concepts in Mathematics: Fractions Series.

Standards

Subject Area
Math: Elementary Math: Fractions
Level
K-5
Activity Time
30 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
Resource Types
Lessons
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