"Multiplying and Drawing Fractions" is a worksheet that helps students understand what happens when they multiply two fractions. Each problem starts by stating a pair of fractions, like "1/2 of 2/5 =." Then, a multiplication problem is provided on the other side of the equal sign with blank boxes where students write the number in each fraction. Underneath, an additional blank fraction is provided where they can write their answer.

On the right-hand side of the problem is space for students to draw the problem. So, for example, they would draw a large rectangle, divide it into fifths, and shade in two sections. Then, they would draw a line down the middle to show how each section is divided in half to get the answer. Students can draw the picture first or complete the multiplication problem first, using the other half of the problem to check their answer.

The first problem on each page displays a picture with shaded sections, helping students find the answer and understand how to draw the problem. Each problem is located in its own rectangle to keep the information organized, with four individual problems on each page.

Multiplying fractions can be a difficult concept for students to understand. Students find out that multiplying fractions less than one results in a smaller answer, which contrasts with their experience of getting larger answers when multiplying whole numbers. Using a visual aid to understand this concept can be extremely helpful.

For example, students can draw 3/4 as a series of four rectangles stacked on each other in a larger rectangle with three colored in. Then, they can divide all the rectangles in half to demonstrate 1/2 of 3/4 and how it equals 3/8.

It can also be helpful to teach students to rephrase what a fraction multiplication problem means. Instead of thinking of it as 1/2 times 2/6, they can think about it like 1/2 of 2/6, helping them to see that the fraction will get smaller instead of bigger.