Question

Write a paragraph to help Miguel explain to Hannah how to complete the problems. Be sure to explain the process step-by-step (remember he is helping a 4th grader) and don’t forget to explain how to find the common denominator.
1.) 14/15 multiplied by 5/2

2.) 24/60 divided by 8/15

Answer 1

Steps in multiplying fractions. Remember: finding common denominator is not necessary in multiplying fractions. 
Common denominators are only needed in adding and subtracting fractions.

14/15 * 5/2 

Step 1. Multiply the numerators.
14 * 5 = 70
Step 2. Multiply the denominators
15 * 2 = 30
Step 3. Simplify the fraction.
70/30 = 2 10/30 = 2 1/3      

*the fraction 10/30 can still be simplified by dividing both numbers by 10. Hence, 1/3.

Steps in Dividing fractions.

24/60 ÷ 8/15

Step 1. Get the reciprocal of the 2nd fraction. Reciprocal means the reverse of the fraction. Simply swap the places of the numbers.

Reciprocal of 8/15 is 15/8.

Step 2. Multiply the 1st fraction to the reciprocal of the 2nd fraction. Follow steps in multiplying fractions.

24/60 * 15/8 = (24*15) / (60*8) = 360/480

Step 3. Simplify the fraction.
360/480 = 9 / 12 = 3/4

360 ÷ 40 =   9 ;   9 ÷ 3 = 3
480 ÷ 40 = 12 ; 12 ÷ 3 = 4