Simplify Before Multiplying Fractions

When teaching fractional operations, particularly how to multiply fractions, many students like to go straight into multiplying the numbers. This will give you a correct answer, but then you must reduce the fraction at the end. Rather than working with larger numbers to reduce, why not teach your students to practice this skill up front? When teaching your students to simplify before multiplying, students work with small numbers, which can make calculations a bit easier.

Teach Starter has created a printable educational game designed to help students practice simplifying fractions before multiplying them. The game includes 36 game cards, a game board, an answer key, and playing pieces.

To play, begin by stacking the playing cards in the center of the gameboard.

Players choose a counter to be their game piece and place it on the “Start” square. The player with the next birthday goes first then the turns move in a clockwise position around the group. The player chooses a playing card to read and answer.

If the player answers correctly, they may roll the dice and move forward the number of squares indicated by the dice. If the player answers incorrectly, they do not get to roll the dice or move forward. If the player lands on a “Star” square, they get a bonus turn. The player that reaches the “Finish” square first wins the game.

This activity aims to provide students with an opportunity to simplify before multiplying, complete error analysis, and determine whether an expression is true or false.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to partner work time, use this multiplying fractions game to enhance learning through guided math groups or math centers.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

If there are students who need additional support, provide them with a multiplication chart to help with basic math facts.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to create equivalent fractions for each of their answers.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Jillian Sloane, a teacher in West Virginia and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Simplify to Multiply – Multiplying Fractions Match-Up Activity

Practice simplifying before multiplying fractions with this match-up activity.

teaching resource

Simplify to Multiply – Multiplying Fractions Worksheet

Practice how to simplify fractions before multiplying with this worksheet.