Section 1
Introduction: A Fraction of a Fraction
Property
Finding a fraction of another fraction means you are taking a part of an existing part. For example, taking one-half of a one-half piece results in a one-fourth piece of the original whole.
In this Grade 5 lesson from Illustrative Mathematics Chapter 3, students learn to interpret and represent a unit fraction of a unit fraction using diagrams, building toward the concept of multiplying two fractions. Using a real-world context like a pan of macaroni and cheese, students draw and explain area diagrams and tape diagrams to find fractional quantities such as one-fifth of one-half. This lesson aligns with standard 5.NF.B.4.a and prepares students to connect visual representations to multiplication expressions in later lessons.
Section 1
Introduction: A Fraction of a Fraction
Finding a fraction of another fraction means you are taking a part of an existing part. For example, taking one-half of a one-half piece results in a one-fourth piece of the original whole.
Section 2
Procedure: Modeling a Unit Fraction of a Unit Fraction
To find a unit fraction of another unit fraction, you can model the first fraction with an area model, then take a fractional part of that shaded area. This shows how one small piece relates to the whole.
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Section 1
Introduction: A Fraction of a Fraction
Finding a fraction of another fraction means you are taking a part of an existing part. For example, taking one-half of a one-half piece results in a one-fourth piece of the original whole.
Section 2
Procedure: Modeling a Unit Fraction of a Unit Fraction
To find a unit fraction of another unit fraction, you can model the first fraction with an area model, then take a fractional part of that shaded area. This shows how one small piece relates to the whole.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter