Session 9, Part A: Models for the Multiplication and Division of Fractions

Session 9, Part A:
Models for the Multiplication and Division of Fractions

In This Part: Area Model for Multiplication | Try It Yourself | Area Model for Division
The Common Denominator Model for Division | Translating the Process to Decimals

Use the following Interactive Activity to model the solution for each step in Problem A1 below.

This activity requires the Flash plug-in, which you can download for free from Macromedia's Web site. For a non-interactive version, make your own square transparencies to superimpose.

Problem A1

An aerial photo of farmland shows the dimensions of three fields in fractions of a mile. Use the area model you've just learned to model the area in square miles of each of these fields:

a.	3/4 • 1/3
b.	3/5 • 2/3
c.	1/4 • 8/9


Problem A2
Describe how the area model shows that the product of two positive fractions, each less than 1, must be smaller than either of the fractions.

Video Segment
In this segment, Jeanne and Liz use the area model to multiply fractions. They relate this model to the multiplication algorithm and check for ways to visually reduce fractions. Watch this video segment after you've completed Problems A1 and A2.

If you are using a VCR, you can find this segment on the session video approximately 4 minutes and 32 seconds after the Annenberg Media logo.

Next > Part A (Continued): Area Model for Division

Session 9: Index | Notes | Solutions | Video