Math Lesson Plan · Grades 4–7

Multiplying Fractions Lesson

Teach students to multiply fractions with a clear three-step lesson and a companion worksheet. Unlike addition, no common denominator is needed — simply multiply numerators together and denominators together, then reduce to lowest terms. Includes worked examples and a story problem. Answer key included.

Lesson Overview

How to Multiply Fractions

Multiplying fractions is simpler than addition or subtraction — there is no need to find a common denominator. The three steps are: (1) multiply the numerators together, (2) multiply the denominators together, and (3) check whether the fraction needs to be reduced to lowest terms. To reduce, find the lowest common multiple shared by the numerator and denominator and divide both by it.

The lesson walks through two worked examples: one where the answer is already in lowest terms and one where it must be reduced. The companion worksheet has fraction multiplication problems and a story problem about farm animals that requires placing whole numbers over 1 before multiplying. The answer key covers all problems.

How to Use This Lesson

1. Read the lesson on pages 1 through 3 as a class. Work through the two examples, emphasizing when reduction is and is not needed.

2. Distribute the worksheet. Complete the fraction multiplication problems on page 1 individually.

3. Work through the story problem on page 2 as a class or individually. Review all answers using the key on page 3.

Printable Resources

2 classroom-ready PDFs.

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