Understanding Fraction Multiplication
Multiplying fractions by whole numbers is like adding the same fraction multiple times!
When you see \( 3 \times \frac{2}{5} \), it's the same as \( \frac{2}{5} + \frac{2}{5} + \frac{2}{5} \). The whole number tells us how many times to add the fraction.
How to Multiply Fractions by Whole Numbers
1️⃣ Write the whole number as a fraction (put it over 1)
2️⃣ Multiply the numerators (top numbers)
3️⃣ Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers)
4️⃣ Simplify if needed
Let's Practice Together!
Pizza Party Example
If each person eats \( \frac{3}{8} \) of a pizza, how much pizza will 4 people eat?
\( 4 \times \frac{3}{8} = \frac{4 \times 3}{1 \times 8} = \frac{12}{8} = 1\frac{4}{8} = 1\frac{1}{2} \) pizzas
4 people will eat 1 and a half pizzas!
Chocolate Bar Example
If you have 5 chocolate bars and you eat \( \frac{2}{3} \) of each bar, how much chocolate did you eat in total?
\( 5 \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{5 \times 2}{1 \times 3} = \frac{10}{3} = 3\frac{1}{3} \) chocolate bars
You ate 3 and one-third chocolate bars in total!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real objects: Cut fruits or measure ingredients to show fraction multiplication in action
- Visualize with drawings: Have your child draw pictures to represent the problems
- Connect to repeated addition: Show how \( 4 \times \frac{1}{2} \) is the same as \( \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} \)