Unit 7 · Topic 3

Volume with Fractions

Overview

Same length × width × height - even when the edges are fractions.

Topic 3 of 3~45 min
Unit overview

The lesson

This lesson teaches Volume with Fractions. Read each section in order, work through every example on paper, then use the practice problems and quick check at the bottom.

The volume formula still works

Volume of a rectangular prism is always length × width × height. When edges are mixed numbers, turn each into an improper fraction (or a decimal) first, then multiply.

The denominator tells you how many equal parts the whole is split into. The numerator tells you how many of those parts you have.

Always ask: "What is the whole?" In 3/4 of a pizza, the whole is one pizza. In 3/4 of 20 students, the whole is 20 students.

Worked example

Find the volume of a box that is 1½ ft × 2 ft × 4 ft.

  1. 1Write 1½ as 1.5 (or 3/2).
  2. 21.5 × 2 × 4 = 12.
  3. 3Volume = 12 cubic feet.

Why this matters

Volume with Fractions shows up constantly in same length × width × height - even when the edges are fractions. It also connects to what you will see on homework, quizzes, and the next unit in this grade.

Teachers often move fast in class. This page is here so you can pause, re-read, and practice until the idea feels familiar, not just until you have memorized a rule for one day.

Common mistakes to avoid

Rushing to the answer without writing steps. Middle-school math rewards clear work, and you catch errors earlier when steps are visible.

Mixing up similar ideas from the same topic. If two terms feel alike, make a two-column note: what is the same, what is different, and one example of each.

Key ideas from this lesson

  1. The volume formula still works

Video walkthrough

Khan Academy

Volume of Rectangular Prisms

Length × width × height for box-shaped objects.

Watch on YouTube
Math with Mr. J

Volume

Practice finding how much space a solid fills.

Watch on YouTube

Practice

For each problem: write your work in the box, type your answer, and check it. If you are stuck, reveal the solution one step at a time. Do not skip straight to the final answer.

Exercise 1

Try it yourself

Find the volume of a box 2 ft × 3 ft × 5 ft.

Step-by-step solution

  1. 1V = 2 × 3 × 5 = 30 ft³.

Exercise 2

Try it yourself

Find the volume of a prism 1½ in × 4 in × 2 in.

Step-by-step solution

  1. 11.5 × 4 × 2 = 12 in³.

Exercise 3

Try it yourself

A fish tank is 2½ ft long, 1 ft wide, and 1½ ft tall. How many cubic feet of water does it hold?

Step-by-step solution

  1. 12.5 × 1 × 1.5 = 3.75 ft³.

Exercise 4

Try it yourself

A prism has volume 45 m³. The base is 7½ m². Find the height.

Step-by-step solution

  1. 145 = 7.5 × h.
  2. 2h = 45 ÷ 7.5 = 6 m.

Exercise 5

Try it yourself

A storage crate is 3¼ ft × 2 ft × 1⅖ ft. Round to the nearest tenth and find the volume in cubic feet.

Step-by-step solution

  1. 13.25 × 2 × 1.4 = 9.1 ft³ (nearest tenth).

Quick check

Answer all questions. Retake the quiz until you feel confident before moving on.

Volume with Fractions

Question 1 of 5

Easy

A box has dimensions 2 ft × 3 ft × 5 ft. What is its volume?

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