Today is rung 5 of 6 on this topic
Multiplying a fraction by a whole number
Can do: Works out 3 × 2/5 and understands it as repeated addition of a fraction.
Why it matters
It's the gentle entry to fraction multiplication, and it destroys the myth that multiplying always makes things bigger.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Multiplies top and bottom by 3, or freezes because the answer is bigger than one.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"What is 4 × 3/8?" Then: "Is the answer bigger or smaller than 1?"
Solid looks like: 12/8 or 1 1/2, and they know it exceeds one.
The full activity for this topic · 15 minutes
Four Lots of Three Eighths
- 1Write it as repeated addition first: 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8.
- 2Jump it along a number line in eighths and see where you land.
- 3Notice the pattern: only the top multiplies.
- 4Convert the improper answer to a mixed number using the strips.
- 5Do a real one: a recipe needs 2/3 cup and you're making it three times.
If it's too hard
2 × a unit fraction, on a number line.
If it's too easy
A word problem where the answer must be converted to a mixed number to make sense.
Say this
"Four lots of three-eighths. Count them along the line — where do you land?"