Fifth graders need concrete experiences to introduce a unit on multiplying fractions by fractions. A strip of paper is used to create a number line and represent 5/6. It is folded first in half, and then in quarters. After unfolding, learners mark new points on the number line. Teachers lead a discussion to help uncover that sixths cut in half become twelfths and sixths cut into quarters become twenty-fourths. From this discussion, the standard algorithm is introduced. The commentary section contains the information and possible solutions that teachers will find helpful in implementing this introduction to fraction multiplication.

Common Core

5.NF.B.4.a MP6 MP7