Multiplying fractions in 5th grade using eureka math
Welcome! I would love to help you make sense of Eureka Math's approach to multiplying fractions. Before we dive into the models and math, could you tell me a little bit about why you're looking for help with this topic? For instance, is there a specific homework problem you're stuck on, or are you looking to build a stronger foundation for the whole unit?
I want to build a strong foundation for the unit.
That is a wonderful goal. Building a strong conceptual foundation is exactly what Eureka Math is designed to do, so you are in the right place.
To start, we need to change how we think about multiplication. Up until now, you have probably thought of multiplication as repeated addition. For example, just means adding four three times: .
But when we multiply fractions, that mental model breaks down. How do you add something a "half" of a time? Instead, Eureka Math wants us to think of multiplication as , or taking a "fraction of" another amount.
Two comparison columns displaying the Repeated Addition Model with groups of blocks and the Scaling Model with a single scaled continuous bar.
When you see a multiplication sign in a fraction problem, the secret is to read the multiplication sign as the word "of".
For example, instead of reading as "one-half times six," read it as "one-half of six." Suddenly, it makes perfect intuitive sense. You are just finding half of a group of six.
Let's put this into action with a real-world scenario.