Lesson 3
Patrones en la multiplicación
Lesson Purpose
Lesson Narrative
In this lesson, students analyze two sets of multiplication expressions: one in which the number of groups is kept constant, and another in which the size of each group (a unit fraction) is kept constant. They look for regularity as they reason repeatedly about the expressions and their values (MP8). The patterns that emerge in the series of expressions formalize their prior observations about the value of \(a \times \frac{1}{b}\) as \(\frac{a}{b}\). They also enable students to see any fraction as a product of a whole number and unit fraction.
Note that students may write either \(a\times \frac{1}{b} = \frac{a}{b}\) or \(\frac{1}{b} \times a = \frac{a}{b}\) as long as they understand what each factor represents. Teachers can reinforce the meaning of each factor by consistently writing the multiplication in this order: \(\text{number of groups} \times \text {size of each group} = \text{total amount}\). This corresponds to how we tend to express situations with equal groups, which in the case of fractional amounts, is “_____ grupos de _____” // “_____ (whole number) groups of _____ (fraction).”
- Representation
- MLR8
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Evaluate multiplication expressions and recognize that $n \times \frac{1}{b} = \frac{n}{b}$.
Student Facing
- Observemos patrones en la multiplicación de una fracción por un número entero.
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Required Preparation
CCSS Standards
Addressing
Lesson Timeline
Warm-up | 10 min |
Activity 1 | 15 min |
Activity 2 | 20 min |
Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
Suggested Centers
- Rolling for Fractions (3–5), Stage 1: Equivalent Fractions (Supporting)
- Compare (1–5), Stage 5: Fractions (Supporting)