This week we kicked off our 3rd math unit on multiplication and division of fractions!

Shown below are the standards, written in ‘I Can’ statements, we will be working on throughout the next month or so:

• I can multiply a whole number by a unit fraction.
• I can multiply a whole number by a non-unit fraction. 
• I can use models to explain multiplication of fractions. 
• I can simplify fractions before multiplying. 
• I can multiply mixed numbers. 
• I can explain and show the Commutative, Associative, and Distributive Properties with fractions. 
• I can compare the results of different fraction operations. 
• I can solve word problems with fractions.
• I can predict how the size of a fractional factor will affect the size of the product. 
• I can divide fractions and show the process through modeling. 
• I can solve division word problems.
• I can distinguish between multiplication and division based on the language of word problems. 

The 5th grade mathematicians have been doing an awesome job explaining and showing their work to prove their answers are correct this week.

One tricky concept we discussed this week was writing comparison equations and statements using multiplication and division to explain a situation.

For example, let’s say there were 5 apples and 10 oranges. Listed below are some comparison equations and/or statements that would describe the apples and oranges:

• There are 2 times as many oranges as apples OR Oranges=2 x Apples
• There are 1/2 times as many apples as there are oranges OR Apples = Oranges x 1/2
• There are half as many apples than oranges OR Apples = Oranges / 2

This was a hard concept to wrap our heads around so we decided to act out the situation to better understand how to compare.

I continue to be impressed with your children and the effort they put forth into making sure they understand what we are learning. They ask amazing questions and are never afraid to ask for help when they need it.

I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to teach them!

Have a wonderful break,

Gev. McAdams