Math Magic Time!

Here’s How We Do It:

First comes the fraction, then comes the number. Multiply them together—it’s no trouble, I assure! 🧮

1. Start with your unit fraction, like 1/4 or 1/2. This means only ONE part out of all the parts in the whole thing.
2. Now grab your whole number. That’s any regular old number, like 3 or 5.
3. Multiply the top number (the numerator) of the fraction by the whole number. The bottom number (denominator) stays the same—no change to its name!

Let’s Try an Example Together:

We want to multiply 1/3 × 4.

Imagine we have a yummy chocolate bar divided into 3 equal pieces. One piece is 1/3 of the bar. Now, if we take FOUR of those tiny pieces… how much do we get?

Step 1: Take the numerator (that’s the 1) and multiply it by 4 → 1 × 4 = 4.
Step 2: Keep the denominator the same (that’s the 3). So now we have 4/3.

Hooray! You’ve made 4/3, which is also called “1 and 1/3” because it’s more than one whole bar but not quite two!

Tips for Superhero Parents:

• Use snacks like cookies, fruit slices, or candy to show fractions in action. Kids love learning with treats they can eat later!
• Repeat key phrases like, “Multiply the top, keep the bottom.” Repetition helps kids remember better.
• Draw pictures or use fraction circles to make visual models. Seeing math makes it stickier!