Multiplying Fractions in Word Problems

Word Problems: Multiplying Fractions

What to look for in word problems with fractions

• What operation is occuring?

• What numbers am I using to solve the equation?

• What is the question asking for?

Words to look for in a word problem depending on the operation (MOST OF THE TIME! NOT always!)

• Addition: increased by, more than, combined, sum

• Subtraction: difference, less than, compare

• Multiplication: product, twice/double/triple, "each" (they got 3 each)

• Division: split, equal pieces, out of

Multiple Choice

Which of the following means 3 x 1/4?

• Find the difference of 3 and 1/4

• combine 3 and 1/4

• 3 groups of 1/4

• 3 decreased by 1/4

Multiple Choice

"Marcelo ran 2 miles at recess and 1/2 of a mile home. How much did he run combined?

What is the operation?

• Addition

• Subtraction

• Multiplication

• Division

How do we find what numbers we are using in word problems?

• Sometimes the number isn't clearly stated

• Examples: three times= multiply by 3

• Triple= multiply by 3

• Double or twice= multiply by 2

Multiple Choice

"Luis did 1/3 of the homework. Liliana did twice as much as Luis. How much homework did Lilian do?"

What is the equation?

• 3 x 1/3

• 2 x 1/3

• 2 + 1/3

"Joshua ate 1/2 of a pizza. Julian ate three times as much pizza as Joshua. How much pizza did Julian eat?"

• First: What operation are we doing? How do you know?

• Next: What numbers are we using to solve?

• Last: What is the question asking for?

Multiple Choice

"Joshua ate 1/2 of a pizza. Julian ate three times as much pizza as Joshua. How much pizza did Julian eat?"

• 3/2

• 1/2

• 1 whole