How do you multiply whole numbers by fraction?

Answer 1

Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole number for the new numerator. The denominator remains the same. Then, see if the fraction can be simplified. Also, you may wish to convert improper fractions into mixed numbers.

Example 1: 6 * (4/9)

6*4 = 24 so the product is 24/9. This can be simplified (common factor 3) to 8/3, which as a mixed number is 2 2/3.

Example 2: 2 * (4/9)

2*4 = 8 so the product is 8/9. This cannot be simplified.

Answer 2

If it is a proper or improper fraction: multiply the whole number by the numerator (the top part), and put the result in the numerator. Copy the denominator (bottom part) into the denominator of the result. For example, 2 x 10/3 = 20/3.

If it is a mixed fraction, use one of the following methods:

1. Multiply the whole number by the fraction's whole part. Also, multiply the whole number by the fractional part (as above). Add the results. Example: 2 x 2 2/3 = 4 + 4/3 = 5 1/3.

2. Or, convert the fraction to an improper fraction, and multiply as above. In the example (1) above, you would convert 2 2/3 to 8/3, and then multiply 2 x 8/3.