How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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Multiply the tops, multiply the bottoms.

There are 3 simple steps to multiply fractions

1. Multiply the top numbers (the numerators).

2. Multiply the bottom numbers (the denominators).

3. Simplify the fraction if needed.

Example: 1 2 × 2 5

Step 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


Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

2 10 = 1 5

With Pizza

Here you can see it with pizza ...

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

Do you see that half of two-fifths is two-tenths?
Do you also see that two-tenths is simpler as one-fifth?

With Pen and Paper

And here is how to do it with a pen and paper (press the play button):

Another Example: 1 3 × 9 16

Step 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


Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

9 48 = 3 16


(This time we simplified by dividing both top and bottom by 3)

The Rhyme

"Multiplying fractions: no big problem,
Top times top over bottom times bottom.
"And don't forget to simplify,
Before it's time to say goodbye"

Fractions and Whole Numbers

What 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  ×  5

Make 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 9

Multiply tops and bottoms:

3   ×  2 9  =   3 × 2 9  =   6 9

Simplify:

6 9 = 2 3

Mixed Fractions

You 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?

How to multiply fractions by 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 Review

Before 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…

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

Example of the Rule:

What is (3/4) x (1/2) ?

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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)

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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 1

Example 1: What is (2/7) x 3 ?

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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)

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

Now, because you are multiplying a fraction by a fraction, you can apply the rule and solve as follows…

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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 2

Example 1: What is 5 x (9/10) ?

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

Start by rewriting the whole number (5 in this example) as the fraction (5/1)…

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

Then apply the rule as follows…

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

In this example, (45/10) is not the final answer because it can be simplified.

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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…

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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 Worksheets

How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

Free 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

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How to multiply fractions by whole numbers

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