Multiplying fractions is likely to be the hardest concept for you and your children to understand while teaching arithmetic in online classes. Even the sheer quantity of phrases connected to multiplying fractions can occasionally seem a little intimidating to kids, especially words like numerator, denominator, vinculum, and others. Besides, the different types of fractions like proper, improper, and present mixed complexity in themselves when you teach multiplying fractions.
It is difficult for little kids studying in grade 4 to comprehend these heavy concepts. It can be challenging to know how to teach math to a child. But because we have experience teaching in classrooms, both offline and online, we can comfort you that there is a way out; you simply need to take it to step by step while trying to teach multiplying fractions.
How to multiply fractions
Multiplying fraction is a three-step process.
- Fractions are multiplied by multiplying the given numerators first.
- Then we multiply the specified denominators.
- The final step is to further simplify the resultant fraction and, if necessary, reduce it to its simplest form.
This article will teach you how to teach math – multiplying fractions without a multiplying fractions calculator. The denominator does not need to match when multiplying fractions, unlike adding or subtracting fractions. Any two fractions with varying denominators can be easily multiplied in this process. The only thing to remember is that the fractions should be either proper or improper fractions; they shouldn’t be in the mixed form. For example, you have the fractions 25 and 58 to multiply –
Step 1 – Multiply the numerators
25 × 58 : 2×5 = 10
Step 2 – Multiply the denominators
25 × 58 : 5×8 = 40
Thus, 25 × 58= 1040
Step 3 – Reduce to the lowest form
Thus, 1040= 14
Common errors students make while multiplying fractions
The best tip any math teacher can offer is to identify and work on the common errors a student makes in a particular topic. This will help you identify the learning gaps and address them so that they don’t have to use the multiplying fractions calculator.
- The commonest error a new student of grade 4 makes is leaving the denominator out of the process of multiplying fractions. Since in addition and subtraction of fractions, students do not have to change the denominator, they also apply the same procedure to multiplication.
For example, when multiplying 25 × 58, they just multiply the numerators and compute the sum as 158
- Another major error that a student of class 4 makes in calculating fractions is leaving the fraction unchanged and not computing it in the lowest form.
For example, they compute 25 × 58 = 1040. However, it should be reduced further to 14
- Apart from this, students can make common computational and arithmetic errors in math fractions multiplication.
You should notice the pattern of errors your students make and work on them accordingly. If needed, review the calculating fractions process again with them. Another great tip is to give them enough practice. A new concept takes time to get imbibed in your students’ minds. A lot of practice will help the multiplication algorithm to register in their minds.
Best tips to teach multiplication of fractions
The best and most important tip we can give to Math teacher is to not rush with the fundamentals of fractions. First, a student should understand the different types of fractions. Then, only when he is comfortable with converting a fraction from one form to another should you proceed with teaching multiplication of fractions.
Here is a list of ideas that have worked for me to teach multiplying fractions
- Cue, don’t answer. When giving your students classwork on calculating fractions, you might be tempted to give away the answers or take the pencil and show them how to solve the problem. However, a little patience will pay off. Give them hints on what they should do next and let them arrive at the solution.
- Give examples from real life. Fractions being an abstract topic, students often cannot relate to them. If you show them real-life applications, they can relate to the concept and will understand it better. Story problems are one such way. Look around you and see where kids can visualize math fractions, like in pizza or chocolates.
- Gamification of a concept is the best way 4th-grade kids can learn multiplying fractions. There are many games like prodigy available on the market to do so. You can try creatively making math fractions Bingo or dominoes to help kids learn the concept.
- Encourage the child often. You have to appreciate the fact that these are small kids who are dealing with an important topic that is alien to them.
- Therefore appreciate them for their comprehension ability and encourage them to try more. Do not be upset if they make mistakes while calculating fractions, and do not let them give up as well.
Multiplication of fractions is a difficult topic for grade 4 kids. However, with a little patience and hand-holding, you can teach multiplying fractions and help your students master the concept.
Just like you help your students master a concept, Classplus helps you manage your online classroom and super teaching multiplying fractions. A customized app that is built keeping in view your requirements can take a lot of work pressure off your shoulders.
You can schedule classes, manage students’ profiles, generate their report cards, communicate with parents, assign assessments, and even accept payments at the click of a button. The team at Classplus understands that a teacher’s job is difficult. Therefore, they strive to make working easy for teachers like you so that you can focus on your super teaching multiplying fractions.
