How to multiply fractions word problems
Here is a simple guide on how to multiply fraction word problems in Grade 5. This exciting step-by-step guide will offer a well-structured and less complex way of multiplying fraction word problems effortlessly.
In addition, we are here to encourage fifth graders to better understand the relationships between the quantities described by the problem. Thus, making it easier for them to multiply all fraction word problems they encounter.
Most importantly, your kids will aptly transfer the skills they’ll learn from this guide to tackle tasks that include structurally similar but more challenging word problems.
When representing and solving our super exciting word problems, your kids will discover that it is easy to differentiate between irrelevant and relevant information in any fraction multiplication word problem.
Steps on how to solve multiplication of fractions word problems
The purpose of these steps on how to solve multiplication of fractions word problems is to actively engage 5th graser’s minds to understand and solve word problems effortlessly and effectively.
Besides, we believe that providing them with sufficient guidance on how to multiply fractions word problems will unravel the diverse difficulties most learners face when they encounter complex multiplying fractions word problems.
As a result, we have attached some exciting examples below to show them how the process works.
Step 1: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
To identify the problem, we’ll first figure out the important fractions and keywords in the word problem. Use these keywords to determine whether the problem involves multiplication or requires any other operation.
However, when multiplying fractions, we look for common keywords such as “of,” “times,” “product of,” “how many,” “how much,” etc.
Note: One key Element for learners to understand is that they should not always rely on keywords alone. That is to say; the same keyword can have different meanings in different word problems.
For this reason, we reiterate on the importance of reading the question very carefully to understand the situation that the word problem is describing, then figure out exactly which operation to use
Step 2: STRATEGIZE OR GATHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
How will you solve or tackle the problem?
- As discussed in step 1 above, the keyword(s) in the word problem will enable you to determine if you need to multiply or perform any other operation.
- Note that you must not rely only on keywords. Also, try to understand the situation that the problem is describing.
- After knowing which operation you will perform, construct short expressions/sentences representing the given word problem.
Step 3: CREATE THE EQUATION
Here, we need to compose a numerical expression /a mathematical equation representing the information in the word problem.
Step 4: PROVIDE A SOLUTION
From step 3 above, multiply the numerators and the denominators across. Remember that when multiplying fractions, a common denominator is not needed. Simplify the fraction if possible. Moreover, do not forget to add the unit of measurement to your final answer.
Step 5: CHECK YOUR WORK
Lastly, check if your answer makes sense. For instance, estimate the answer and see if it is close to what you expected. However, if the answer is not what you expected, go back to step one and start all over again.
Examples on how to multiply fractions word problems
Example One
Step 1:You see that the important fractions here are
Step 2:How will you solve the problem? This problem asks you to triple the original recipe. So, from the situation the problem is describing and its keyword(s), It shows that you have to perform a multiplication operation.
Now, we have to construct short sentences to represent the given word problem.
- Fraction of the cup of corn flour that the recipe calls for =
- Number of times Barbra wants to increase the recipe = 3 times
- Therefore, the quantity of flour that she used = fraction of the cup of corn flour that the recipe calls for × the number of times Barbra wants to increase the recipe
Step 3:At this point, write down a numerical equation to represent the bolded sentence in step 2 above to solve this word problem:
Step 4: From Step 3 above,
- First, convert the whole number above into a fraction by dividing the whole number by 1.
- Then, multiply the numerators across and also multiply the denominators across. Remember that when multiplying fractions, a common denominator is not needed.
- Simplify the fraction if possible.
- Do not forget to add the unit of measurement to your final answer.
So, Barbra will use
Step 5:Finally, check if your answer makes sense. For instance, estimate the answer and see if it is close to what you expected. However, if the answer is not what you expected, go back to step one and start all over again.
Example Two
Step 1: You see that, after reading the word problem very carefully, you’ll figure out that the most important fractions here are
Step 2:How will you solve the problem? This problem asks you to find
Now, set up short sentences to represent the given word problem.
- Fraction of the shawarma Grace left =
- Fraction of the shawarma Lucy ate =
- Therefore, the fraction of the shawarma that she ate = the fraction of the shawarma Grace left in the fridge × the fraction of the shawarma Lucy ate
Step 3:Then, write down a numerical equation for each bolded sentence in step 2 above to solve this word problem:
Step 4:From Step 3 above,
- First, convert the whole number above into a fraction by dividing the whole number by 1.
- Then, multiply the numerators across and also multiply the denominators across. Remember that when multiplying fractions, a common denominator is not needed.
- Simplify the fraction if possible.
- Do not forget to add the unit of measurement to your final answer.
So Lucy ate
Step 5: Finally, check if your answer makes sense. For instance, estimate the answer and see if it is close to what you expected. However, if the answer is not what you expected, go back to step one and start all over again.
