What Does Scaling Mean?
Scaling is like using a magic wand to make things bigger or smaller!
When we scale whole numbers by fractions, we're multiplying them to find a portion of the whole number. It's like saying "I want 3/4 of 12 apples" or "I need 1/2 of 24 cookies."
How to Scale Whole Numbers by Fractions
1️⃣ Write the whole number as a fraction (just put it over 1)
2️⃣ Multiply the two fractions (multiply tops and bottoms)
3️⃣ Simplify your answer if needed
Let's Practice Together!
Pizza Party Example
You have 8 pizzas for your party, but only need 3/4 of them. How many pizzas should you prepare?
Calculation: 8 × 3/4 = (8 × 3)/4 = 24/4 = 6 pizzas
Interactive Scaling Game
Scale this number by the fraction:
Whole number: 16
Fraction: 3/4
Parent Tips 🌟
- Kitchen Math: When cooking, ask your child to scale recipes. "This makes 8 servings but we only need 3/4 of that - how many will we make?"
- Pocket Money: Practice with allowance. "If you save 2/5 of your $10 allowance, how much will you save?"
- Visual Aids: Use LEGO bricks or paper strips to physically show scaling - build a tower of 12 bricks, then find 2/3 of it by grouping.