Multiplying Fractions. Why is my answer smaller?

Have you ever wondered why the answer to a multiplication problem with a pair of fractions is smaller than what you started with? Then this video is for you! I use a chocolate bar model to illustrate that when you multiply proper fractions, your product (answer) will always be smaller than what you started with.

Teachers, check out my store, Math Defined, on Teachers Pay Teachers. I have blank student copies and answer keys for all of my videos!

About Math Defined with Mrs. C. This channel provides instructional math videos that are directly aligned with math standards. Students, teachers, and parents/guardians from around the world have used these videos to help teach math skills and content.

[lauriewilliams]

Thank you! I'm homeschooling and this wasn't clicking as my student was working through word problems. This was so helpful! Loved the clear explanation and the clean graphics. Thanks!

[Shannon_Robbie]

Thank you! I don't know why I struggled with this before. I now realize that if you multiply a whole number by a fraction the number gets smaller. I had to picture that you're actually dividing it into smaller groups. Eg: 8 x 1/4 = 2. Or divide 8 into quarters and they're now in groups of 2.

[radar]

What a great way to explain this! I was always confused about this! Thank you.

[TheSatish]

Can you make a video about trigonometry pls my dad wants me to learn trigonometry