Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers
In a nutshell
Fractions and mixed numbers can be multiplied by whole numbers.
Example 1
At a restaurant three people choose pizza from the menu. Each person eats 43 of a pizza. How much pizza do they eat altogether?
Three lots of three quarters totals nine quarters.
43×3=49
Multiplying fractions by whole numbers
procedure
1. | Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole number. Note: The denominator does not change. |
2. | Simplify the fraction if possible. |
Example 2
Multiply 123 by 3. Give your answer as a fraction in its simplest form.
Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole number:
123×3=129
Simplify the fraction:
12÷39÷3=43
Multiplying mixed numbers by whole numbers
procedure
1. | Convert the mixed number into an improper fraction. |
2. | Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole number. |
3. | Convert the answer to Step 2 back into a mixed number. |
4. | Simplify the fraction if possible. |
Example 3
Multiply 241 by 4. Give your answer as a mixed number in its simplest form.
Convert the mixed number into an improper fraction:
241=42×4+1=49
Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole number:
49×4=436
Convert the fraction back into a mixed number:
36÷4=9
Note: This question has no remainder, so the answer is a whole number with no fraction part.