Multiplying fractions Spot the Mistake

A PowerPoint resource titled "Y5 Fraction Calculations - Spot the mistake 2" is designed to help Year 5 students improve their skills in multiplying proper fractions and mixed numbers by whole numbers. The presentation includes a total of 10 intentionally incorrect calculations for the students to analyse. The first five examples involve proper fractions multiplied by a whole number, while the last five deal with mixed numbers multiplied by a whole number. The aim of the exercise is for students to identify the errors, articulate the mistakes made, and then correctly perform the calculations.

The teacher guidance suggests that this activity can be used effectively to start or end a lesson, or to address common errors observed in students' work. It serves as a diagnostic tool to assess students' conceptual understanding and encourages them to think critically and use mathematical vocabulary. For each mistake, students are prompted to engage in a three-step process: firstly, to spot the mistake; secondly, to explain why it is a mistake; and thirdly, to redo the calculation correctly. This interactive approach not only helps to clarify misconceptions but also reinforces the correct methods for multiplying fractions and mixed numbers with whole numbers.