How to Multiply & Divide Fractions: Steps with Visual Models

Introduction: Multiplying & Dividing Fractions

Tough Creatures – the Fractions! 

Fractions are considered to be one of the trickiest math concepts for young kids because it has different notations than whole numbers. It is an abstract notion that challenges the little rockstars to do better. 

Operations on fractions add to the complexity as it becomes strenuous for children to understand what these operations mean and therefore, visualizing them can lead to better comprehension of the concept. The multiplication and division of fractions might be contradictory to the already existing understanding of multiplying and dividing whole numbers. 

For example, multiplying two whole numbers always results in a greater product, but this is not the case with multiplying fractions.

Similarly, dividing two whole numbers usually results in a quotient that is smaller than the dividend, but this is not the case with dividing fractions. 

Due to the lack of proper understanding of these concepts, even among teachers, students have a hard time understanding fractions. It also causes confusion and misconceptions among them.

The aim of this article is to provide engaging methods that would help children visualize the concepts of multiplication and division. Furthermore, we will also try to ease the understanding of procedures involved in multiplying and dividing fractions through a simple methodology involving just 4 steps.

Read on and make learning fractions easy and pleasant! 

Table of Contents

• Glossary
• Must-Knows
• Introduction to Multiplying Fractions
• First Step to Multiplying Fractions: Visual Modelling
• Multiplying Fractions: 4 Easy Steps
• Analysis: Multiplying Fractions Versus Whole Number Multiplication  
• Introduction: Dividing Fractions
• First Step to Dividing Fractions: Visual Modelling
• Dividing Fractions: 4 Easy Steps
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Glossary

• Fraction – Part of a whole number written in the form of a/b
• Denominator – The bottom number on a fraction 
• Numerator – The number on the top of a fraction
• Unit Fraction – A fraction with numerator 1
• Whole Number – Counting numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 …)
• Equivalent fraction – A fraction that has equal/same value as another fraction 
• Simplifying – Making a fraction simpler
• Proper fraction – A fraction with a value less than 1 (numerator < denominator)
• Improper fraction – A fraction with a value greater than 1 (numerator > denominator)
• Mixed Number – A way of writing improper fractions using a whole number and a proper fraction
• Divisor – A number by which another number is to be divided  
• Dividend – A number that is to be divided
• Quotient – The result of dividing one number by another
• Remainder – The leftover after division

Starting with the Multiplication & Division of Fractions: Must-Knows

• Understanding of multiplication and division with whole numbers
• Understanding of fractions and their visual models
• Representing whole numbers as fractions
• Equivalent fractions
• Simplifying fractions to their lowest form
• Conversion of improper fraction into mixed number and vice versa
• Addition of fractions

Related Reading: Best Math Apps to Make Math Exciting for Students

Introduction: Multiplying Fractions

Before starting with the steps of multiplying fractions, it is imperative to develop a conceptual understanding of fraction multiplication. Children should be able to visualize multiplication and should know what it means to multiply a fraction by a whole number or a fraction. 

Quick Tip: Start with modelling multiplication or division involving only whole numbers. You can then move on to fractional numbers. This way, the existing knowledge kids have, of multiplying or dividing whole numbers, will be refreshed and they would be able to connect it to constructing the models for fraction multiplication or division.

Let’s start with fraction multiplication.

First Step to Multiplying Fractions: Modelling 

Using visual models as a learning aid makes the process of both teaching and learning more effective, fun, and interactive. It is a student-centered approach that helps kids visualize key mathematical concepts, which further aids them in gaining a deeper understanding of the concept at a root level. 

For the teachers, visual models can trigger discussions of mathematical ideas and relations with previously known concepts. It helps them have a better understanding of the students’ grasp on the concept. 

For that reason, teaching fraction multiplication initially through models and then proceeding towards standard procedures would be the ideal approach. 

To begin with, Fraction Multiplication can take up 3 different forms. 

Level 1A: Whole × Fraction

Level 1B: Fraction × Whole 

Level 2: Fraction × Fraction

Please note: We will not be taking up mixed numbers as a separate case because these are also fractions written in a different form. To help your kids learn about mixed numbers and improper fractions through fun games, you can sign up here! 

Level 1A: Whole × Fraction 

Example 1: Tim used ¼ of the pumpkin to make one pumpkin pie. 

He made 3 pies. Let’s find out how many pumpkins he used in total.

As he used one-fourth of the pumpkin 3 times, its multiplication expression would be 3 × ¼ 

So,

3 × ¼  =  _3/4

So, Tim used three-fourth of the pumpkin to make 3 pies. 

Example 2: If Tim had to make 5 pies, how many pumpkins would he need?

5 ×¼ = _5/4

So, Tim would need 1 whole and a quarter piece of the pumpkin to make 5 pies.

Level 1B: Fraction × Whole

Visualizing the model for Fraction × Whole could be really challenging for kids.

To start with, the first number in the multiplication sentence denotes the number of groups or the number of times something is to be repeated. But, in the Fraction × Whole scenario, how do we form groups in a fractional number?

Example: ¼ × 8

We can describe this expression in simple words as one-fourth of eight. Mathematically, the word ‘of’ means multiplication. 

Let’s draw a model for this expression.

Step 1:

Step 2:

So, ¼ × 8 = 2

Example 1: ¾ × 8

This means: three-fourth of eight

So, ¾ × 8 = 6

Let’s try a few more examples.

Example 2:  Jamie prepared 4 glasses of juice using 3 limes. Find the number of lime fruits he used for each glass of juice. 

This means he used a quarter of 3 limes to prepare one glass of juice.

Mathematical expression to be solved for this example: ¼ × 3

Let’s consider the three limes to be A, B and C.

Each plate represents one-fourth or quarter of the whole lot, that is, 3 limes. 

How many fourths are there in one plate? Three-fourths

So, ¼ × 3 = ¾

Jamie used ¾ of lime in one glass of juice. 

Example 3: Find out how many limes Jamie used for 3 glasses of juice.

This means that we need to find out how much three-fourth of 3 limes is.

Mathematical expression to be solved for this situation: ¾ × 3

Each plate represents one-fourth or quarter of the whole lot i.e 3 limes. So, three plates will represent three-fourths. 

How many fourths are there in 3 plates? Nine-fourths

So, ¾ × 3 = _9/4

Jamie used _9/4 limes in three glasses of juice.

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Level 2: Fraction × Fraction

Multiplying a fraction with fraction is also a tricky form and students find it quite difficult to understand the application of multiplying two fractions. 

We can now help them visualize this concept through this engaging and simple paper folding activity. 

Example 1: Visualize and solve: ⅓ × ½ 

In general, this expression would mean one-third of the half. You can help your child model this scenario using a sheet of paper. 

Ask your little learner to follow these simple steps: 

1. Take a rectangular sheet of paper and fold it in half.
2. Next, fold the half into 3 equal parts. 
3. Color one of the folded sides to show one-third of the half. 
4. Open the sheet back up.
5. Identify which fraction of the whole the shaded part represents.

⅓ × ½ = ⅙ 

MUST TRY MORE!

Encourage your children to try multiplying different fractions using the same technique.

Let’s explore a few more examples:

The following models follow the same principle as in the paper folding activity above. The principle mentioned is modelling two fractions in one model.

Example 2: How much is ¼ × ½?

This represents a quarter of half.

Example 3: _5/7 × ¾

Example 4: _{1/3 × 1⅗} 

After a few examples, you can encourage your child to directly draw the combined model.

Draw the model to multiply two fractions with these steps:

1. Draw a big rectangle. 
2. Divide it into as many equal horizontal strips as the denominator of the first fraction. Shade parts to represent the first fraction.
3. Next, divide the same model into as many equal vertical strips as the denominator of the second fraction. Shade parts to represent the second fraction.
4. Identify the overlapping part in the model. The fraction it represents is the product of the two fractions.

Multiplying Fractions: 4 Easy Steps

Encourage kids to observe the products derived from the models and also tell them which rule is being followed in the multiplication of fractions. 

We can help them understand the process through these 4 easy steps of multiplying fractions. 

1. Write both the numbers in fraction form. 
2. Multiply the numerators. The product is the new numerator.
3. Multiply the denominators. The product is the new denominator.
4. Rewrite the answer in the lowest or mixed number form. 

Check out a few examples. 

Example 1: 

Example 2:

Example 3: 

Analysis: Multiplying Fractions versus Whole Number Multiplication

Question: Do we always get a greater product on multiplying two numbers?

Observe the following multiplication problems. 

6 × 4 = 24
2 × 9 = 18            
3 × 1 = 3
5 × 7 = 35
10 × 8 = 80          
19 × 1 = 19
8 × 0 = 0
7 × 11 = 77          
16 × 2 = 32

Do you think the same question holds for multiplication with fractions as well? 

The answer to that is ‘sometimes’.

Let’s check out a few cases to better understand them.

Case 1: When one of the multiplicands is 0

The product will also be a zero regardless of what the other fraction is. 

_{¼ × 0 = 0/4 = 0}

_{⅗ × 0 = 0/5 = 0}

_{7/2 × 0 = 0/2 = 0}

Case 2: When one of the multiplicands is a fraction less than 1

The product will be smaller than the other fraction.

_{3/4 × 7/3 = 21/12 = 7/4 (< 7/3)}

_{1/4 × 7/8 = 7/32 (< 7/8)}

_{3/4 × 1/9 = 1/12 (< 1/9)}

Case 3: When one of the multiplicands is a fraction equivalent to 1

The product will be the same as the other number.

_{1 × 7/8 = 7/8} 

_{6/6 × 9/5= 54/30= 9/5}

_{6/6 × 3/5= 18/30= 3/5}

Case 4: When one of the multiplicands is a fraction greater than 1

The product is will be greater than the other fraction.

_{8/3 × 2/5= 16/15 (> 2/5)} 

_{6/10 × 9/5= 54/50= 27/25 (> 6/10)}

_{9/6 × 1/7= 9/42= 3/14 (> 1/7)}

Case 5: When both of the multiplicands are fractions greater than 1

The product will be greater than both the fractions. 

_{8/3 × 3/2  = 4 (> 8/3, 3/2)} 

_{6/4 × 5/2= 30/8 (> 6/4, 5/2)}

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Dividing Fractions in Real Life: Introduction

We come across situations in our day-to-day lives where we apply the concept of fraction division. Fraction division can be made interesting and the concept can be fully instilled in kids’ minds if they are challenged to solve scenarios from real life. 

This would help the kids visualize and make sense of fraction division. 

Example: Suppose you have 3 apples, each cut in half. Among how many people can you distribute these 3 apples if each gets half a piece?

Let’s picture this situation and solve it. After all, an apple a day will certainly keep the math blues away! 

The problem can be further extended by modifying the fraction. 

For example, what if you decide to give each person a quarter piece? How many people can be served now?

Or what if you decide to give each person three quarters? How many people can be served now?

Comprehending a problem and then modelling it is a crucial step in any problem-solving scenario of fraction division. Encourage students to try visualizing the scenario and then look for its solution.

Draw and Solve!

A group of friends bought a pizza. They shared the pizza equally and finished it.

Try identifying how many friends there were if each of them got:

one-eighth of the pizza		two-eighth of the pizza
8 friends		4 friends
So, 1 ÷ ⅛ = 8		So, 1 ÷ 2/8 = 4

First Step to Dividing Fractions: Modelling

Just like multiplication, once students gain expertise in modelling division problems for fractions, then the method to find the answer is a cakewalk.

Therefore, for the division of fractions as well, an approach from visual to the non-visual method is suggested. For students, such an approach is more plausible as it lays a strong conceptual foundation. 

Let’s see a few examples. 

Whole Number ÷ Fraction

Example 1:

Example 2:

Related Reading: The Most Important Math Symbols Students Need to Solve Problems

Quick Tip: When a divisor is a fractional number – it helps to describe the division statements as ‘How many groups of (divisor) can be formed from the (dividend)?’ or ‘How many groups of the (divisor) are there in the (dividend)’. These descriptions help children to visualize the situation at hand with more ease.

Fraction ÷ Whole

Fraction ÷ Fraction

Mixed Number ÷ Fraction

Dividing Fractions that Involve the Remainder

Example 1

Example 2:

Some Common Struggles in Dividing Fractions

1. Students often struggle to understand the difference between dividing by 2 and dividing by ½. 

The following models can help them easily visualize the difference.

2. Students often struggle to understand that division of fractions will not always result in a smaller quotient. 

Dividing Fractions: 4 Easy Steps

It’s imperative that we encourage children to observe the quotients derived from the models and tell them which rule is being followed in the multiplication of fractions. Doing such activities with them can help in developing inference and reasoning skills.

Help them learn the procedure through these 4 easy steps to divide fractions. 

1. Flip the divisor fraction.
2. Change sign from ÷ to ×
3. Multiply the fractions.
4. Simplify.

Key to Excel—Practice More

Understanding fractions and their operations becomes a lot easier once children gain expertise in visualizing the problem and knowing what needs to be calculated. But to gain such confidence, they need to practice a lot of math problems. It’s necessary that they model the problem and then solve them.

You can refer to these worksheets on SplashLearn, which are easily downloadable and printable, to help solidify your kid’s understanding of multiplying fractions. 

To sum up 

• For deeper understanding of the concept, make sure to provide kids with an environment conducive to experiential learning.
• You can use your kids’ previous and existing knowledge of multiplying and dividing whole numbers to build new knowledge of multiplying and dividing fractions.
• Encourage your kids to visualize problems and model them. Make them feel comfortable with asking questions.  
• It’s imperative to focus less on answering accurately and more on the reasoning and thought process of the child.
• As a parent, relate the mathematical problems with real-life situations and provide instances from day-to-day activities. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1 – How to multiply fractions step by step?

1. Write both the numbers in fraction form.
2. Multiply the numerators.
3. Multiply the denominators.
4. Simplify or rewrite the answer in mixed number form.

Q2 – How to divide fractions step by step?

1. Flip the divisor fraction.
2. Change sign from ÷ to ×.
3. Multiply the fractions.
4. Simplify.

Q3 – How do you identify if multiplication by a fraction will result in a greater or a smaller product?

Compare the numerator and denominator of the fraction to check whether the product will be greater or smaller than the number to which they are multiplied.

Greater Product → Numerator > Denominator. Examples: 3/2, 4/3, 8/5, and so on. 

Smaller Product → Numerator < Denominator. Examples: 3/4, 4/7, 5/9, and so on.