Explain why two thirds times 12 can be written as 2 times 12 divided by 3?

Answer 1

Every whole number can be written as an improper fraction by putting it over one. If we do that, the problem becomes 2/3 x 12/1

When multiplying fractions, you multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

Then the problem becomes 2 x 12 over 3 x 1

Since the line in a fraction can be read as "divided by" 2/3 x 12 is the same as 2 x 12 divided by 3

Answer 2

Two thirds times twelve = two divided by three times twelve (two thirds is two divided by three)= two times one third times twelve (because division by three is multiplication by one third)

= two times twelve times one third (because multiplication is commutative)

= two times twelve times one third (because multiplication by one third is division by three).