Multiplying and dividing fractions

Multiplying and dividing fractions

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources
This task is about multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers.
Questions/instructions
 
What is the answer to the following fraction equations?
Write your answers after each equation.
 
1.
 
5 × \(1 \over 4\)=
 
 
2.
 
\(3 \over 4\) × 3 =
 
 
3.
 
\(2 \over 5\) × \(1 \over 2\) =
 
 
4.
 
2\(1 \over 4\) × 5 =
 
 
5.
 
3 × \(1 \over 2\) =
 
 
6.
 
\(1 \over 3\) ÷ 2 =
 
 
7.
 
\(1 \over 4\) ÷ \(1 \over 2\)=
 
 
8.
 
2\(1 \over 4\) ÷ \(1 \over 3\) =
 
 
9.
 
\(2 \over 3\) ÷ \(1 \over 2\) =
 
 
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper.
Levels:
2, 4
Description of task: 
For this NEMP task students perform calculations using fractions and mixed numbers.
Answers/responses: 
    Y8 (09/1997)
1. 11/4 48%
2. 21/4 32%
3. 1/5 29%
4. 111/4 30%
5. 11/2 20%
6. 1/6 8%
7. 1/2 21%
8. 63/4 2%
9. 1/6 13%

NOTE: Accept any equivalent fractions.

Diagnostic and formative information: 
Commentary
Year 8 students were not highly successful with any of the tasks, but had a particular difficulty with mixed denominators and division of fractions.