This task is from Tools for NC Teachers. Students use color tiles and/or graph paper to explore the multiplication of fractions. This is remixable.

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Part 1:

Have students cut a 4 x 4 inch grid and solve the problem below.

Cover ¾ of the grid with one color of the tiles.

Cover ½ of the covered area with another color of the tiles.

Write an equation to show how much of your model is covered by both colors oftiles.

 Part 2:

Have students cut a 6 x 6 inch grid and solve the problem below.

Cover 2/3 of the grid with one color of the tiles.

Cover ¼ of the covered area with another color of the tiles.

Write an equation to show how much of your model is covered by both colors of tiles.

 Part 3:

What relationship do you notice between the numerators in your two factors and your product? What relationship do you notice between the denominators?