How do you multiply a fraction by a whole number?

To multiply a fraction by a whole number, change the whole number to a fraction. Simplify the fractions if possible before multiplying the numerators and then the denominators.

Example:

To multiply a fraction by a whole number:

Jan runs img hour 6 days each week. To find how many hours she runs each week, multiply img hour by 6.

img

First, change the whole number to a fraction by writing the whole number over 1.

img

Before multiplying the fractions, check if you can simplify the fractions: divide any numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. The greatest common factor of 2 and 6 is 2, so cross out and divide both numbers by 2.

img

Now multiply the numerators and then the denominators.

img

The improper fraction img equals 3. When Jan runs img hour 6 days each week, she runs 3 hours each week.

IMG

back buttonimagespacerimage