Unit 3, Lesson 7
Generalize Fraction Multiplication
Grade 5
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students find areas of rectangles where the subdivision of each side into unit fractions is not shown. They rely on their understanding of covering the area with appropriate size fractional pieces, understanding that the numerator of the area is the number of those pieces while the denominator is the number of those pieces in 1 square unit. Then students work abstractly with fractions, finding missing values in equations showing products of fractions with no reference to area.
- Engagement
- MLR8
- Calculate the product of 2 fractions.
- Generalize (orally and in writing) that $\frac{A}{B} \times \frac{C}{D} = \frac{A \times C}{B \times D}$.
- Let’s use what we’ve learned to multiply any two fractions.
Required Preparation
None
Teacher Reflection Questions
As students described how Diego’s diagram represented the expression , what evidence did you see that they are extending their understanding of multiplication as area?