Learn on PengiIllustrative Mathematics, Grade 5Chapter 2: Fractions as Quotients and Fraction Multiplication

Lesson 6: Area with Fractional Side Lengths (< 1)

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

Property

Finding a unit fraction of a set is equivalent to dividing the total number in the set (NN) by the denominator (bb). This calculation finds the size of one equal part.

1b of N=N÷b\frac{1}{b} \text{ of } N = N \div b

Examples

Section 2

Multiplying a Whole Number by a Unit Fraction

Property

Multiplying a whole number, nn, by a unit fraction, 1d\frac{1}{d}, is equivalent to repeated addition.
This relationship is generalized by the rule:

n×1d=1d+1d++1dn times=ndn \times \frac{1}{d} = \underbrace{\frac{1}{d} + \frac{1}{d} + \dots + \frac{1}{d}}_{n \text{ times}} = \frac{n}{d}

Examples

Section 3

Procedure: Multiplying a Whole Number by a Fraction

Property

To multiply a fraction by a whole number, multiply the numerator by the whole number and keep the denominator the same.

ab×c=a×cb\frac{a}{b} \times c = \frac{a \times c}{b}

Examples

Section 4

Equivalence of '1/b of c' and 'c × 1/b'

Property

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.

1b of c=c÷b=c×1b\frac{1}{b} \text{ of } c = c \div b = c \times \frac{1}{b}

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Chapter 2: Fractions as Quotients and Fraction Multiplication

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Sharing Situations and Division as Fractions

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Interpret and Solve Division Situations

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Relate Division and Fractions

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Relate Division and Multiplication

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Divide to Multiply Fractions

  6. Lesson 6Current

    Lesson 6: Area with Fractional Side Lengths (< 1)

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 7: Fractional Side Lengths Greater Than 1

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 8: Decompose Area and Apply Properties

  9. Lesson 9

    Lesson 9: Area Situations

  10. Lesson 10

    Lesson 10: Multiply More Fractions

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

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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 (NN) by the denominator (bb). This calculation finds the size of one equal part.

1b of N=N÷b\frac{1}{b} \text{ of } N = N \div b

Examples

Section 2

Multiplying a Whole Number by a Unit Fraction

Property

Multiplying a whole number, nn, by a unit fraction, 1d\frac{1}{d}, is equivalent to repeated addition.
This relationship is generalized by the rule:

n×1d=1d+1d++1dn times=ndn \times \frac{1}{d} = \underbrace{\frac{1}{d} + \frac{1}{d} + \dots + \frac{1}{d}}_{n \text{ times}} = \frac{n}{d}

Examples

Section 3

Procedure: Multiplying a Whole Number by a Fraction

Property

To multiply a fraction by a whole number, multiply the numerator by the whole number and keep the denominator the same.

ab×c=a×cb\frac{a}{b} \times c = \frac{a \times c}{b}

Examples

Section 4

Equivalence of '1/b of c' and 'c × 1/b'

Property

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.

1b of c=c÷b=c×1b\frac{1}{b} \text{ of } c = c \div b = c \times \frac{1}{b}

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 2: Fractions as Quotients and Fraction Multiplication

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Sharing Situations and Division as Fractions

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Interpret and Solve Division Situations

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Relate Division and Fractions

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Relate Division and Multiplication

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Divide to Multiply Fractions

  6. Lesson 6Current

    Lesson 6: Area with Fractional Side Lengths (< 1)

  7. Lesson 7

    Lesson 7: Fractional Side Lengths Greater Than 1

  8. Lesson 8

    Lesson 8: Decompose Area and Apply Properties

  9. Lesson 9

    Lesson 9: Area Situations

  10. Lesson 10

    Lesson 10: Multiply More Fractions