Year 8 Term 1 Week 4 - Fractions
- Sallyann Clark
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Week 4: Fractions – Multiplication and Division
Introduction
This week we build on last week’s work with addition and subtraction by learning how to multiply and divide fractions. These are core skills that connect to scaling, ratios, and proportional reasoning later in the term.
What should I already know?
How to simplify fractions.
How to add and subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators.
How to convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers.
We have covered all of these in the previous weeks.
Real-World Application – Why This Maths Matters
Multiplying and dividing fractions is essential for scaling quantities up and down, from resizing recipes to working out areas in construction. Dividing fractions is also important in science and engineering when splitting quantities into smaller portions.
Day 1 – Multiplying Fractions
What am I Learning Today?
I will be learning to multiply fractions by fractions and simplify the result.
Revision reminder
You should already be familiar with times tables and how to simplify fractions.
Game
Play Multiplication Tables Check - on Timestables.
Learn
Khan Academy: Arithmetic Unit 5 Lesson 21 Multiplying Fractions
Task
Maths Journal Prompt: Why do you think multiplying two fractions often gives a smaller answer than either fraction? Can you find an example where it gives a bigger answer?
Conclusion
You can now multiply fractions and simplify the result. Tomorrow, we will be looking at multiplying with mixed numbers.
Day 2 – Multiplying Mixed Numbers
What am I Learning Today?
I will be learning to multiply mixed numbers by converting them into improper fractions.
Revision reminder
You should already know how to convert between improper and mixed fractions.
Game
Play Bubble Pop Improper Fractions at Mathematics Monster.
Learn
Khan Academy: Arithmetic Unit 5 Lesson 22 & 23 & Quiz 9.
Task
Maths Journal Prompt: Show how you converted your mixed numbers into improper fractions. Why is this step useful?
Conclusion
You can now multiply mixed numbers confidently by converting them first. Tomorrow we will move on to division.
Day 3 – Dividing Fractions
What am I Learning Today?
I will be learning to divide fractions by fractions.
Revision reminder
You should already know how to multiply fractions (Day 1).
Game
Speedway Fractions on Mathplayground.
Learn
Task
Maths Journal Prompt: Write instructions for dividing fractions so that someone else could follow your method.
Conclusion
You can now divide one fraction by another fraction. Tomorrow we will be using your fraction skills to solve problems.
Day 4 – Dividing Mixed Numbers
What am I Learning Today?
I will be learning to solve word problems that include division of fractions.
Revision reminder
You should already know how to divide fractions (Day 3).
Game
Fraction Fling at ABCYa.
Learn
Here is something a little bit different today: a maths quest. Can you solve the puzzles and find the gems?
The Quest for the Fraction Gem
Deep in the Kingdom of Numeria, the wise king has lost the Fraction Gem, a magical crystal that keeps maths balanced throughout the land. Four clues have been hidden by the castle wizard. To restore the gem, you must solve each fraction puzzle in turn. Each correct answer brings you closer to the treasure.
Clue 1 – The Feast in the Great Hall
At the king’s feast, the cooks prepared 3/4 of a banquet on Monday and 2/5 on Tuesday.
How much of the banquet was prepared in total?
If the feast required exactly 2 whole banquets, how much is still needed?
Clue 2 – The Potion of Strength
The wizard’s potion uses 2/3 of a flask of herb extract. To make 5 potions, he multiplies this fraction.
How much herb extract is needed in total?
If each flask contains 3 whole litres, how many litres of herb extract are required?
Clue 3 – The Bridge of Division
To cross the river, you need to share out 5/6 of a golden loaf equally among 3 adventurers.
How much of the loaf does each adventurer receive?
Write your answer as a fraction and a mixed number if needed.
Clue 4 – The Dragon’s Riddle
The dragon guarding the gem says:
“I ate 2 1/3 goats yesterday and 1 3/4 goats today. How many goats have I eaten in total?”
Convert to improper fractions, solve, and present the answer as a mixed number to satisfy the dragon.
Final Challenge – Unlocking the Gem
The Fraction Gem is sealed in a chest. Fractions power the lock!
First, multiply 3/5 × 10/9.
Then subtract 2/3.
Finally, divide the result by 1/6.
If you get the correct final answer, the chest opens and the Fraction Gem is restored to Numeria!
Day 5 – Project: Fraction Fitness Challenge
What am I Learning Today?
I will be learning to apply multiplication and division of fractions to solve practical problems.
Introduction
This week’s project is about designing a fitness challenge. Fractions help scale workouts up or down depending on time and effort.
Learn
MEP 8 9.1 question 6-12
Task – Fraction Fitness Challenge
A workout lasts 45 minutes. You complete 2/3 of it. How many minutes did you exercise?
A training plan requires 120 push-ups in total. You do 1/4 each day. How many push-ups per day?
A yoga session has 12 stretches. You do 5/6 of them. How many stretches did you complete?
Challenge: A runner completes 1 1/2 km each lap. If they run 2 2/3 laps, how far do they run in total?
✏️ Maths Journal Prompt: Reflect — which is easier for you, multiplying or dividing fractions? Why?
Conclusion
This week, you used multiplication and division of fractions to solve real-life problems. You are now confident with all four operations on fractions.
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