How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

Key Question: How do you multiply fractions and whole numbers?

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

Example of the Rule:

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

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

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

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

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

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

Then apply the rule as follows…

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

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

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

How to multiply a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

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 a fraction times a whole number

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How do you multiply fractions with whole numbers and different denominators?

Step 1: Convert the mixed number into an improper fraction. Step 2: Rewrite the whole number as a fraction with the denominator 1. Step 3: Multiply two fractions by multiplying the numerators and denominators separately. Step 4: Convert it into simplified form if required.