Lesson 5

Equivalent Multiplication Expressions

Lesson Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is for students to write equivalent expressions for the multiplication of a whole number and a unit fraction and explain the equivalence.

Lesson Narrative

In previous lessons, students multiplied unit and non-unit fractions by a whole number and represented their reasoning with diagrams and expressions.

In this lesson, students apply these understandings to explain how two multiplication expressions are equivalent. Students use what they know about multiple groups of unit fractions to explain how two different expressions result in the same product (MP7). (Students are not expected to use the term “equivalent expressions.”)

  • Action and Expression
  • MLR8

Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Write equivalent expressions for the multiplication of a fraction by a whole number and explain or show that the expressions are equivalent.

Student Facing

  • Let's write multiplication expressions in different ways.

Required Preparation

CCSS Standards

Addressing

Lesson Timeline

Warm-up 10 min
Activity 1 15 min
Activity 2 20 min
Lesson Synthesis 10 min
Cool-down 5 min

Teacher Reflection Questions

What did you say, do, or ask during the lesson synthesis that helped students be clear on the learning of the day?

Suggested Centers

  • Rolling for Fractions (3–5), Stage 2: Multiply a Fraction by a Whole Number (Addressing)
  • Estimate and Measure (1–4), Stage 3: Quarter Inches (Supporting)
  • Target Measurements (2–5), Stage 2: Quarter Inches (Supporting)

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Additional Resources

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