Lesson 3

Multiply Unit Fractions

Lesson Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is for students to represent products of unit fractions using diagrams and equations.

Lesson Narrative

In previous lessons students represented products of unit fractions with diagrams and expressions. In this lesson students connect the diagrams and expressions, using the structure of the diagram to calculate the value of the expression. Students use the diagrams to find the value of many expressions and, toward the end of the lesson, they find the value of an expression, representing a product of unit fractions, without being given a diagram.
  • Engagement

Activity 1: Notice Patterns in Expressions

Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Find the product of 2 unit fractions.

Student Facing

  • Let’s solve equations.

Required Preparation

CCSS Standards

Addressing

Lesson Timeline

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

Teacher Reflection Questions

Some students may be multiplying the numerators and denominators without considering why this strategy works. Why is it important for students to understand how the diagrams represent products of fractions? What questions can you ask to help students connect the diagrams to the procedures they are using?

Suggested Centers

  • Rolling for Fractions (3–5), Stage 4: Multiply Fractions (Addressing)
  • Five in a Row: Multiplication (3–5), Stage 4: Three Factors (Supporting)

Print Formatted Materials

For access, consult one of our IM Certified Partners.

Additional Resources

Google Slides

For access, consult one of our IM Certified Partners.

PowerPoint Slides

For access, consult one of our IM Certified Partners.