Strategies For Multiplying With Fractions

2x3
3 4
Strategy 1: Using Diagrams

2 x 3 can be written as 2 of 3 so let’s find 2 of 3

3 4 3 4 3 4

Step 1: Draw a rectangle and identify 3 by shading it

4

Step 2: Split the diagram into thirds as well as fourths

Step 3: Identify 2 of 3 by looking at the shaded area.

3 4

Step 4: Mark 2 of the shaded area. This is your answer 6

3 12
Step 5: Simplify your answer if possible 6 = 1
6 12 2
12
 Strategy 2: Multiplying Across

2x3
3 4

Step 1: Use arrows to help multiply across the 2x3

numerator and denominator 3 4

Step 2: Multiply along the arrows 2x3= 6

3 x 4 = 12

Step 3: Simplify your answer if possible 6=1

12 2
 Strategies For Dividing With Fractions
3 ÷ 1
5 3
How many times can one third fit into three fifths?

Strategy 1: Using Diagrams

Step 1: Look at the denominators. Draw a 5 by 3

Rectangle. This helps find a common denominator of 15

Step 2: Use equivalent fraction skills to write the problem with

common denominators of 15 9 ÷ 5
15 15
5
Step 3: How many times does 5 fit into 9 ? 9
15 15 15
15
How many times does the blue fit into the orange?

Step 4: We can see it fits in once with four parts left over.

The answer is 145 (You cannot simplify this further)

Strategy 2: Keep Change Flip

3 ÷ 1
5 3
Step 1: KEEP Step 2: CHANGE Step 3: FLIP
Keep the first fraction as it is Change the ÷ to a × Flip the second fraction upside down

3 × 3
5 1

4
Step 4: Complete it as a multiplication problem 3x3=9=
5x1 5 1 5