Safari Adventure: Multiplying Mixed Numbers!
Lesson Description
Video Resource
Key Concepts
- Mixed Numbers
- Improper Fractions
- Multiplying Fractions
- Simplifying Fractions
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to convert mixed numbers into improper fractions.
- Students will be able to multiply mixed numbers by first converting them to improper fractions.
- Students will be able to simplify improper fractions back into mixed numbers.
Educator Instructions
- Introduction (5 mins)
Begin by asking students what they already know about fractions. Review the terms 'numerator' and 'denominator.' Ask students if they know what a 'mixed number' is. Introduce the concept of multiplying fractions and mixed numbers. Explain that today, they'll learn a new method using a fun song! - Video Time! (5 mins)
Play the 'Multiplying Mixed Numbers Song' video by NUMBEROCK. Encourage students to sing along and pay attention to the steps involved. - Decoding the Song (10 mins)
After the video, discuss the song. What are the key steps the song highlights? (Converting to improper fractions, multiplying, simplifying). Write these steps on the board. - Practice Problems (15 mins)
Work through a couple of example problems on the board, following the steps outlined in the song. Example 1: 1 1/2 * 2 1/3 1. Convert to improper fractions: 3/2 * 7/3 2. Multiply: 21/6 3. Simplify: 3 3/6 = 3 1/2 Example 2: 2 1/4 * 1 2/5 1. Convert to improper fractions: 9/4 * 7/5 2. Multiply: 63/20 3. Simplify: 3 3/20 Have students work on practice problems individually or in pairs. - Wrap-up (5 mins)
Review the key concepts and steps. Ask students to summarize the process of multiplying mixed numbers in their own words. Preview the quiz for tomorrow.
Interactive Exercises
- Fraction Conversion Relay
Divide the class into teams. Write mixed numbers on the board. One student from each team races to convert it into an improper fraction. The first team to correctly convert all mixed numbers wins! - Create-a-Problem
Have students create their own word problems that involve multiplying mixed numbers. They can then exchange problems with a partner to solve.
Discussion Questions
- What is a mixed number?
- What is an improper fraction?
- Why do we need to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying?
- What does it mean to simplify a fraction?
- In the song, why were they rehabilitating a giraffe and herding Billy Goats?
Skills Developed
- Fraction manipulation
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Simplifying fractions
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1:
What is a mixed number?
Correct Answer: A whole number with a fraction.
Question 2:
What do you need to do first before multiplying mixed numbers?
Correct Answer: Convert them to improper fractions.
Question 3:
What is 2 1/2 as an improper fraction?
Correct Answer: 5/2
Question 4:
What is 7/3 as a mixed number?
Correct Answer: 2 1/3
Question 5:
What is the simplified version of 4/2?
Correct Answer: 2
Question 6:
Which of the following is NOT a fraction?
Correct Answer: 1
Question 7:
What is the top number of a fraction called?
Correct Answer: Numerator
Question 8:
What is the bottom number of a fraction called?
Correct Answer: Denominator
Question 9:
If I had 1 1/3 pies, how many thirds of a pie would that be?
Correct Answer: 4/3
Question 10:
When you simplify a fraction, what are you trying to do?
Correct Answer: Make the numbers smaller.
Fill in the Blank Questions
Question 1:
A mixed number has a whole number and a _________.
Correct Answer: fraction
Question 2:
Before multiplying mixed numbers, you must turn them into _______ fractions.
Correct Answer: improper
Question 3:
The top number of a fraction is called the _________.
Correct Answer: numerator
Question 4:
The bottom number of a fraction is called the _________.
Correct Answer: denominator
Question 5:
When a fraction can't be divided down anymore, it is ________.
Correct Answer: simplified
Question 6:
In 1/2, the 2 is the ___________.
Correct Answer: denominator
Question 7:
In 3/4, the 3 is the ___________.
Correct Answer: numerator
Question 8:
Another word for simplifying fractions is reducing __________.
Correct Answer: fractions
Question 9:
You __________ before you multiply mixed fractions.
Correct Answer: convert
Question 10:
If a numerator is greater than the denominator, that is an ________ fraction.
Correct Answer: improper
Educational Standards
Teaching Materials
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