Multiply the tops, multiply the bottoms. Show
There are 3 simple steps to multiply fractions1. Multiply the top numbers (the numerators). 2. Multiply the bottom numbers (the denominators). 3. Simplify the fraction if needed. Example: 1 2 × 2 5Step 1. Multiply the top numbers: 1 2 × 2 5 = 1 × 2 = 2 Step 2. Multiply the bottom numbers: 1 2 × 2 5 = 1 × 2 2 × 5 = 2 10
2 10 = 1 5 With PizzaHere you can see it with pizza ... Do you see that half of two-fifths is two-tenths? With Pen and PaperAnd here is how to do it with a pen and paper (press the play button): Another Example: 1 3 × 9 16Step 1. Multiply the top numbers: 1 3 × 9 16 = 1 × 9 = 9 Step 2. Multiply the bottom numbers: 1 3 × 9 16 = 1 × 9 3 × 16 = 9 48
9 48 = 3 16
The Rhyme♫ "Multiplying fractions: no big problem, Fractions and Whole NumbersWhat about multiplying fractions and whole numbers? Make the whole number a fraction, by putting it over 1. Example: 5 is also 5 1 Then continue as before. Example: 2 3 × 5Make 5 into 5 1 : 2 3 × 5 1 Now just go ahead as normal. Multiply tops and bottoms: 2 3 × 5 1 = 2 × 5 3 × 1 = 10 3 The fraction is already as simple as it can be. Answer = 10 3 Or you can just think of the whole number as being a "top" number: Example: 3 × 2 9Multiply tops and bottoms: 3 × 2 9 = 3 × 2 9 = 6 9 Simplify: 6 9 = 2 3 Mixed FractionsYou can also read how to multiply mixed fractions 1407,437,430, 1408, 1409, 1410, 3569, 3570, 3571, 3572 Key Question: How do you multiply fractions and whole numbers?Learn how to solve these kinds of problems. Welcome to this free lesson guide where you will learn and easy two-step process for multiplying fractions by whole numbers AND multiplying whole numbers by fractions. This complete guide to multiplying fractions by whole numbers includes several examples, an animated video mini-lesson, and a free worksheet and answer key. Let’s get started! Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers: Multiplication ReviewBefore we explore how to multiply fractions, let’s do a super quick review of how to multiply a fraction by a fraction (understanding how to apply the rule below will make multiplying fractions and whole numbers much easier for you!) Multiplying Fractions Rule: Whenever multiplying fractions together, multiply the numerators together, then multiply the denominators together as follows…Example of the Rule:What is (3/4) x (1/2) ?Notice that the fraction (3/8) can not be simplified (since 8 and 3 do not have a common divisor) Answer: (3/4) x (1/2) = 1/8 Looking for More Help With Multiplying a Fraction by a Fraction? Check out this free guide How to Multiply a Fraction by a Whole Number (and Vice Versa)Now that you are familiar with the rule for multiplying a fraction by a fraction, you can use it to help you easily multiply a fraction by a whole number. Let’s start with an example: Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers: Example 1Example 1: What is (2/7) x 3 ? Start by rewriting the whole number (3 in this example) as a fraction, (3/1) as follows… (You can do this because any number divided by one is always equal to itself) Now, because you are multiplying a fraction by a fraction, you can apply the rule and solve as follows… And since (6/7) can not be simplified, you can conclude that: Answer: (2/7) x 3 = (6/7) Wait! What would happen if the answer could be simplified? Let’s address the situation in the next example… Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers: Example 2Example 1: What is 5 x (9/10) ? Start by rewriting the whole number (5 in this example) as the fraction (5/1)… Then apply the rule as follows… In this example, (45/10) is not the final answer because it can be simplified. Since the greatest common factor (GCF) of 45 and 10 is 5, you can simplify by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by 5 as follows… And since (9/2) can not be simplified any further, you can conclude that: Answer: 5 x (9/10) = (9/2) Still confused? Check out the animated video lesson below:Video: Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers Explained!Check out the video lesson below to learn more about multiplying fractions and for more free practice problems: Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers WorksheetsFree Worksheet! Are you looking for some extra practice multiplying fractions by whole numbers? Click the links below to download your free worksheets and answer key: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE WORKSHEET Tags: Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers, Multiplying Fractions and Whole Numbers, Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers Practice, Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers Examples, Simplifying Fractions Keep Learning:Have thoughts? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! 1 Comment |