Section 1
Finding a Unit Fraction of a Set
Property
Finding a unit fraction of a set is equivalent to dividing the total number in the set () by the denominator (). This calculation finds the size of one equal part.
In this Grade 5 lesson from Illustrative Mathematics Chapter 2, students calculate the area of rectangles with fractional side lengths less than 1 by applying fraction multiplication. Students connect the area formula (length × width) to multiplying unit fractions and other fractions less than 1, building on their understanding of fractions as quotients. This lesson deepens conceptual understanding of how multiplying two fractions less than 1 produces a product smaller than either factor.
Section 1
Finding a Unit Fraction of a Set
Finding a unit fraction of a set is equivalent to dividing the total number in the set () by the denominator (). This calculation finds the size of one equal part.
Section 2
Multiplying a Whole Number by a Unit Fraction
Multiplying a whole number, , by a unit fraction, , is equivalent to repeated addition.
This relationship is generalized by the rule:
Section 3
Procedure: Multiplying a Whole Number by a Fraction
To multiply a fraction by a whole number, multiply the numerator by the whole number and keep the denominator the same.
Section 4
Equivalence of '1/b of c' and 'c × 1/b'
Finding a unit fraction of a whole number is equivalent to multiplying the whole number by the unit fraction. The word "of" in this context implies multiplication.
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Section 1
Finding a Unit Fraction of a Set
Finding a unit fraction of a set is equivalent to dividing the total number in the set () by the denominator (). This calculation finds the size of one equal part.
Section 2
Multiplying a Whole Number by a Unit Fraction
Multiplying a whole number, , by a unit fraction, , is equivalent to repeated addition.
This relationship is generalized by the rule:
Section 3
Procedure: Multiplying a Whole Number by a Fraction
To multiply a fraction by a whole number, multiply the numerator by the whole number and keep the denominator the same.
Section 4
Equivalence of '1/b of c' and 'c × 1/b'
Finding a unit fraction of a whole number is equivalent to multiplying the whole number by the unit fraction. The word "of" in this context implies multiplication.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter