Worked Example 1
Fraction Less Than 1
12 × 34
- 134 is less than 1.
- 2Taking less than a whole group of 12 gives less than 12.
- 3So 12 × 34 < 12.
Answer: Less than 12
Florida Grade 5 Math · Fractions
MA.5.FR.2.3: Predicting the size of a product
What this Grade 5 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.
Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC
What Is Benchmark MA.5.FR.2.3?
In Grade 5, students predict and explain whether multiplying by a fraction will make a number bigger or smaller, without calculating.
The key idea: multiplying by a fraction less than 1 gives a smaller product; multiplying by a fraction greater than 1 gives a larger product; multiplying by a fraction equal to 1 keeps the number the same.
Official benchmarkWhen multiplying a given number by a fraction less than 1 or a fraction greater than 1, predict and explain the relative size of the product to the given number without calculating.
On the FAST test: part of the Grade 5 reporting category Number Sense and Operations with Fractions and Decimals, which is about 23–29% of the test.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 2
Fraction Greater Than 1
12 × 54
- 154 is greater than 1.
- 2That is 12 plus another 14 of 12.
- 3So 12 × 54 > 12.
Answer: Greater than 12
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Thinking multiplication always makes bigger
Wrong:20 × 910 > 20
910 is less than 1, so the product is less than 20 (it is 18).
Looking only at the numerator
Wrong:15 × 75 < 15 because 7 is small
Compare the whole fraction to 1. 75 is greater than 1, so the product is greater than 15.
Helpful Math Tip
Compare the fraction to 1 first: less than 1 shrinks, equal to 1 keeps, greater than 1 grows.
Related Grade 5 Skills
Make Florida Math Practice More Fun
Help your child build math confidence with original interactive questions aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Mathematics Standards.
Start Practicing FreeIndependent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.