CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.2
The standard
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · The Number System
What this standard means
Students need to multiply and divide positive and negative rational numbers, including fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers. They should connect the sign rules to patterns, number lines, and real contexts, not just memorize them.
Mastery means students choose the right operation, compute accurately, and explain why the sign of the answer makes sense. Common trouble spots are dividing fractions, handling two negatives, changing mixed numbers to improper fractions, and losing the sign when numbers are written as decimals.
Ways to teach it
- Use red and blue integer chips with fraction cards to model repeated groups, then record each product with its sign.
- Ask students to explain: Why does a negative divided by a negative give a positive answer?
- Give four problems mixing fractions and decimals, and have students circle the sign before solving.
- Use bank transactions and shared debts to model multiplying or dividing negative rational numbers in context.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.4
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction or whole number by a fraction.
- CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.A
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions.
- CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A
Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions.