Fractions: Unit Fractions as Operators
Aim: Success Criteria: Resources:
Pupils connect multiplication by a fraction I can use bar models to solve problems Lesson Pack
to using fractions as operators (fractions involving fractions as operators.
of), and to division, building on work
I can find a non-unit fraction of an amount
from previous years. (Please note this
by finding the unit fraction and then
is a non-statutory aim from the year 5
multiplying it by the numerator.
National Curriculum.)
I can choose the most appropriate method
DfE Ready-to-Progress Criteria: Find non-unit
to solve a problem.
fractions of quantities. (5F-1)
To use fractions as operators. Key/New Words: Preparation:
Numerator, denominator, equivalent, proper Using Fractions as Operator
fraction, whole, part, multiple. Problem-Solving Questions – one per pair/
group as required
Diving into Mastery Activity Sheets
– as required
It will be helpful if the children are confident with recalling multiplication and division facts up to 12 × 12 and finding unit
Prior Learning:
fractions of quantities using known division facts.
Learning Sequence
Remember It: Use the corresponding slide on the Lesson Presentation to rehearse identifying missing multiples
in the six, eight, eleven and twelve times tables.
Using Fractions as Operators: Use the corresponding slides on the Lesson Presentation to show how
to represent multiplying a unit fraction by a whole number in three different ways. Demonstrate how the
multiplication symbol has the same meaning as the word ‘of’. With a partner, children look at pairs of calculations
with the same answer. Encourage the children to explain which method they would use to solve a problem. Can
the children use bar models to solve problems involving fractions as operators?
Non-Unit Fractions: Use the corresponding slides on the Lesson Presentation to move on to applying the
learning from the previous section to problems involving multiplying a non-unit fraction by a whole number. Can
the children find non-unit fractions of an amount by finding the unit fraction then multiplying by the numerator?
Problem-Solving: The children work with a partner to answer the Using Fractions as Operator Problem-Solving
Questions. Although the questions are the same, there are varying levels of support and challenge on the one
star and three star sheets. Can the children choose the most appropriate method to solve a problem?
The children are The children are asked The children are
guided to answer by to multiply the fraction challenged to try to
multiplying the fraction by the integer as well answer the question by
by the integer, or to as finding the fraction multiplying the fraction
find the fraction of the of the integer. They by the integer and
integer depending on then decide which finding the fraction of
which is suitable for method will help them the integer. They explain
the question. to answer the question. why one method was
best for each question.
After completing the
questions, children
create their own two
problems using the café
theme each using a
different method.
Maths | Year 5| Fractions | Multiplying Fractions |
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Lesson 5 of 5: Using Fractions as Operators
Diving into Mastery: Schools using a mastery approach may prefer to use the following as an alternative
activity. These sheets might not necessarily be used in a linear way. Some children might begin at the ‘Deeper’
section and others may ‘dive’ straight into the ‘Deepest’ section if they have already mastered the skill and are
applying this to show their depth of understanding. Can the children solve problems involving multiplying proper
fractions by a whole number?
Children complete fluency questions involving multiplying proper fractions by a whole number.
Children answer reasoning questions involving multiplying proper fractions by a whole number,
explaining their reasoning.
Children work individually or collaboratively on problem-solving investigations involving multiplying
proper fractions by a whole number.
ExploreIt
Learnit: Children will find this visually exciting Knowledge Organiser a useful tool to support their understanding of fractions.
Maths | Year 5| Fractions | Multiplying Fractions |
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Lesson 5 of 5: Using Fractions as Operators
