Product+is+smaller+than+factors

=**When Multiplication Answers are Smaller**=

===**This activity addresses concerns raised when students encounter a product of multiplication of rational numbers, that is smaller than either of the factors. The question they ask is why is the answer smaller when we're multiplying?**===

Step 1: Review the definition for multiplication.//Multiplication describes when you combine equal groups of things.// Step 2: Ask, What do we know about multiplication? Examples: These above examples are not always true. The following are true:
 * //It's repeated addition.//
 * //The answer is always bigger.//
 * //Used most often when counting things like money, shopping, or ordering things.//
 * //You can illustrate multiplication using an array.//
 * //The answer is not always larger than the two factors.//
 * //Multiplication is often a more efficient way to combine things together.//

Step 3: Multiplication answers the question, "What is _ __groups of__ _ ?"� For example, "//3 groups of 4 pencil is 12 pencils", or "2 groups of 2 students is 4 students."// Step 4:� When we multiply fractions we are asking the same question.� "//1/2 of 4 candies is 2 candies//" Step 5:� Create you own examples using fractions. Step 6:� Refer to the [|Rectangular Multiplication of Fractions] applet for representations of multiplying fractions.