Find The Pattern: Multiply Fractions

Objective

Students will analyze examples of fraction multiplication and determine the pattern. Then they'll apply that pattern to new examples.

This uses an inductive model in which students analyze examples in order to determine a larger idea.

Oh, and the solution to the last problem is ¹/₄.

Steps

1. First, we let students discover a pattern using three simple examples. They'll work out a fourth example.
2. We check the pattern and then complicate things a bit by using three new examples with products that need to be simplified.
3. We rewrite our pattern to include the "simplify" step and then students practice with three examples.
4. I give the solutions and then leave students with one final, even more complex fraction problem!

Resources

• Worksheet Part 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet Part 1 (Google Slides)
• Worksheet Part 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet Part 2 (Google Slides)
• Worksheet Part 3 (PDF)
• Worksheet Part 3 (Google Slides)
• Worksheet Part 4 (PDF)
• Worksheet Part 4 (Google Slides)