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It Got Smaller When Multiplied

by Anonymous · 1 · 🍴 0

🍕 We learned that multiplying makes things bigger, but multiplying fractions can make them smaller. Why? First, join three 1/4 pieces. Multiplying a fraction by a whole number means adding that fraction several times. You can even make exactly 1. 🟪 To multiply fractions, cut once across and once down. The overlapping squares show the product. Multiply 2/3 by 3/4: 6 of 12 squares—smaller than either fraction. That’s why it “gets smaller when multiplied.” 🎯 Finish by filling in the numerator and denominator yourself. This app was made with code too · Shall we remix it to add mixed-number multiplication?

Ready to remix — hit the 🍴 Remix button below. You'll sign up first, then this app is copied into your workspace.

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About this app

An interactive elementary math app that shows why multiplying by a fraction can make a quantity smaller. Explore fraction times whole-number multiplication as repeated addition, use an area-style grid to see overlapping cells for fraction products, and complete guided numerator-and-denominator exercises. Activities include making results less than 1, greater than 1, whole numbers, exactly 1, reducible fractions, and one half.

Use cases

  • Elementary students learning fraction multiplication
  • Teachers demonstrating repeated addition and area models
  • Parents practicing fraction concepts with children
  • Learners reviewing numerator and denominator multiplication

Features

  • Three guided activity tabs: repeated addition, overlapping grid cells, and solve-it-yourself problems
  • Interactive fraction and multiplier choices for goal-based challenges
  • Visual grid model showing total cells and overlapping cells
  • Exercises covering whole numbers, mixed-number results, simplification, and one-half targets
  • Four fill-in problems using fraction times whole number and fraction times fraction
  • Reset and next-step controls with optional sound toggle