How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

Calculator Use

Do math calculations with mixed numbers (mixed fractions) performing operations on fractions, whole numbers, integers, mixed numbers, mixed fractions and improper fractions. The Mixed Numbers Calculator can add, subtract, multiply and divide mixed numbers and fractions.

Mixed Numbers Calculator (also referred to as Mixed Fractions):

This online calculator handles simple operations on whole numbers, integers, mixed numbers, fractions and improper fractions by adding, subtracting, dividing or multiplying. The answer is provided in a reduced fraction and a mixed number if it exists.

Enter mixed numbers, whole numbers or fractions in the following formats:

  • Mixed numbers: Enter as 1 1/2 which is one and one half or 25 3/32 which is twenty five and three thirty seconds. Keep exactly one space between the whole number and fraction and use a forward slash to input fractions. You can enter up to 3 digits in length for each whole number, numerator or denominator (123 456/789).
  • Whole numbers: Up to 3 digits in length.
  • Fractions: Enter as 3/4 which is three fourths or 3/100 which is three one hundredths. You can enter up to 3 digits in length for each the numerators and denominators (e.g., 456/789).

Adding Mixed Numbers using the Adding Fractions Formula

  1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions
  2. Use the algebraic formula for addition of fractions:
    a/b + c/d = (ad + bc) / bd
  3. Reduce fractions and simplify if possible

Adding Fractions Formula

\( \dfrac{a}{b} + \dfrac{c}{d} = \dfrac{(a \times d) + (b \times c)}{b \times d} \)

Example

Add 1 2/6 and 2 1/4

\( 1 \dfrac{2}{6} + 2 \dfrac{1}{4} = \dfrac{8}{6} + \dfrac{9}{4} \)

\( = \dfrac{(8 \times 4) + (9 \times 6)}{6 \times 4} \)

\( = \dfrac{32 + 54}{24} = \dfrac{86}{24} = \dfrac{43}{12} \)

\( = 3 \dfrac{7}{12} \)

1 2/6 + 2 1/4 = 8/6 + 9/4 = (8*4 + 9*6) / 6*4 = 86 / 24

So we get 86/24 and simplify to 3 7/12

Subtracting Mixed Numbers using the Subtracting Fractions Formula

  1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions
  2. Use the algebraic formula for subtraction of fractions: a/b - c/d = (ad - bc) / bd
  3. Reduce fractions and simplify if possible

Subtracting Fractions Formula

\( \dfrac{a}{b} - \dfrac{c}{d} = \dfrac{(a \times d) - (b \times c)}{b \times d} \)

Example

Subtract 2 1/4 from 1 2/6

1 2/6 - 2 1/4 = 8/6 - 9/4 = (8*4 - 9*6) / 6*4 = -22 / 24

Reduce the fraction to get -11/12

Multiplying Mixed Numbers using the Multiplying Fractions Formula

  1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions
  2. Use the algebraic formula for multiplying of fractions: a/b * c/d = ac / bd
  3. Reduce fractions and simplify if possible

Multiplying Fractions Formula

\( \dfrac{a}{b} \times \dfrac{c}{d} = \dfrac{a \times c}{b \times d} \)

Example

multiply 1 2/6 by 2 1/4

1 2/6 * 2 1/4 = 8/6 * 9/4 = 8*9 / 6*4 = 72 / 24

Reduce the fraction to get 3/1 and simplify to 3

Dividing Mixed Numbers using the Dividing Fractions Formula

  1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions
  2. Use the algebraic formula for division of fractions: a/b ÷ c/d = ad / bc
  3. Reduce fractions and simplify if possible

Dividing Fractions Formula

\( \dfrac{a}{b} \div \dfrac{c}{d} = \dfrac{a \times d}{b \times c} \)

Example

divide 1 2/6 by 2 1/4

1 2/6 ÷ 2 1/4 = 8/6 ÷ 9/4 = 8*4 / 9*6 = 32 / 54

Reduce the fraction to get 16/27

To perform math operations on simple proper or improper fractions use our Fractions Calculator. This calculator simplifies improper fraction answers into mixed numbers.

If you want to simplify an individual fraction into lowest terms use our Simplify Fractions Calculator.

For an explanation of how to factor numbers to find the greatest common factor (GCF) see the Greatest Common Factor Calculator.

If you are simplifying large fractions by hand you can use the Long Division with Remainders Calculator to find whole number and remainder values.

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

How do you 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 do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

Example of the Rule:

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

How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

How do you 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 do you 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 do you 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 do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

How do you 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 do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

How do you 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 do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

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

How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

Then apply the rule as follows…

How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

How do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

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

How do you 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 do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

How do you 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 do you 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 do you multiply a fraction times a whole number

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