How to Multiply Fractions with Whole Numbers

Of the many concepts you will come across in your first math courses, one of the most important ones is the study of fractions and arithmetic operations related to them. I remember finding problem based on fractions tricky but fun to solve. Many people fail to see the beauty of mathematics because of the way it is presented to them. Understanding mathematics takes time, because it is an entirely different language of symbols and children need to be taught about the connection between these symbols and their underlying meaning. One such symbolism is a fraction. The aim of this article is to present a simple guide on how to multiply fractions with whole numbers.

Before we move ahead, let me provide a brief review of math terms involved here, which are fractions and whole numbers. Whole numbers form a set, which includes natural numbers (1, 2, 3, . . ), along with zero. A fraction is created when you divide one whole number, by another whole number. It could be also seen as a part of a whole. An example of a fraction is 2/3, which could be seen as 2 divided by 3 or 2 parts chosen out of three parts of a whole. In the fraction - '2/3', 2 is called the numerator of the fraction and 3 is the denominator. I hope that you are already familiar with the process of multiplication of numbers. Now let us have a look at the simple procedure for multiplying fractions with whole numbers.

Multiplying Fractions with Whole Numbers

One of the many forms of problems related to fractions, that you will be posed with when solving your math assignments, is the multiplication of fractions with whole numbers. You must already know how to multiply whole numbers. However, multiplying fractions with whole numbers can be a bit confusing. If you know how to multiply fractions with fractions, and whole numbers with whole numbers, knowing fraction multiplication is quite simple:

• When multiplying fractions with whole numbers, remember that the whole number must only multiply the numerator of the fraction and not the denominator.
• After you multiply the numerator of the fractions with the whole number, you must write the product as the numerator, with the denominator of the earlier fraction.
• If you are dealing with a mixed fraction, it is best to convert it into a simple fraction, before multiplying it with the whole number.

The rules of mathematics related to multiplying fractions with whole numbers listed above, will be better understood through examples presented below. Just go through the examples listed below to familiarize yourself, with the process of fraction and whole number multiplication.

Example 1: (2 / 7) x (4) = (2 x 4) / 7 = 8 / 7

Example 2: (15 / 8) x (3) = (15 x 3) / 8 = 45 / 8

Example 3: (6 / 5) x (2) = (6 x 2) / 5 = 12 / 5

Example 4: (6 / 19) x (5) = (6 x 5) / 19 = 30 / 19

Example 5: (3 ½) x 4 = [{(3 x 2) + 1} / 2] x 4 = (7 / 2) x 4 = (7 x 4) / 2 = 28 / 2 = 14

The procedure is quire simple and all you have to do is follow the rules. As mentioned before, all you have to do is multiply the numerator of the fraction with the whole number and write the product as the numerator of the product fraction, while the denominator remains the same! Practice a few examples every day, and you will become a pro at this in no time!