Florida B.E.S.T. MA.5.FR.2.3
The Standard
When multiplying a given number by a fraction less than 1 or a fraction greater than 1, predict and explain the relative size of the product to the given number without calculating.
Florida B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students predict whether multiplying a positive number by a fraction will make the product smaller or larger. They compare the fraction to 1 and explain the result without calculating the product.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can identify that 8 × 3/5 is less than 8 and 8 × 7/5 is greater than 8 without calculating. The student explains that a factor below 1 scales down, while a factor above 1 scales up.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think multiplication always makes a number larger. They may compare the fraction to the given number instead of comparing it to 1, or focus only on the numerator.
How to Assess It
- Without calculating, label each product as less than or greater than 12: 12 × 4/7 and 12 × 9/7. Explain each choice using the multiplier’s relationship to 1.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs fraction strips and a 12-inch paper strip to model 3/4 and 5/4 of its length, then compare each result to 12 inches.
Ask students to explain why multiplying by 6/7 shrinks a positive number while multiplying by 8/7 enlarges it, without finding either product.
Students draw multiplier cards, sort them as less than or greater than 1, then predict whether each card makes a given number smaller or larger.
Compare a recipe made at 2/3 scale with one made at 3/2 scale, predicting ingredient amounts relative to the original recipe.
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Printable MA.5.FR.2.3 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to MA.5.FR.2.3, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- MA.6.NSO.2.2
Extend previous understanding of multiplication and division to compute products and quotients of positive fractions by positive fractions, including mixed numb...
- MA.5.FR.2.2
Extend previous understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction, including mixed numbers and fractions greater than 1, with procedural reli...
- MA.4.AR.1.3
Solve real-world problems involving multiplication of a fraction by a whole number or a whole number by a fraction.
- MA.4.FR.2.4
Extend previous understanding of multiplication to explore the multiplication of a fraction by a whole number or a whole number by a fraction.
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