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How to multiply fractions with whole numbers and mixed numbers?

Whole numbers are all natural numbers including 0.

A fraction represents a numerical value, which defines a part of a whole.

A fraction which is a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction is known as a mixed fraction.

Answer: To multiply a whole number by a fraction, the whole number is converted into a fraction with denominator 1 and then multiplied by the given fraction. Mixed numbers are converted into an improper fraction and then multiplied by the given fraction.

The following steps explain the way of multiplying fractions with whole numbers and mixed numbers.

Explanation:

1. Multiplication of fractions with whole numbers:

Example: Find the product of 6 and 5/8.

Step 1: Represent 6 as a fraction

6 = 6/1

So, the fractions to be multiplied are 6/1 × 5/8

Step 2: Multiply the numerators of the two fractions

6 × 5 = 30

Step 3: Multiply the denominators of the two fractions

1 × 8 = 8

Step 4: Combine them and write the fraction in its lowest terms

30/8 = 15/4

2. Multiplication of fractions with mixed numbers:

A fraction in which the numerator is equal to or greater than the denominator is called an improper fraction.

Example: Find the product of 1 2⁄5 and 5/9

Step 1: Convert 3 2⁄5 to an improper fraction

1 2⁄5 = 7/5

So, the fractions to be multiplied are 7/5 × 5/9

Step 2: Multiply the numerators of the two fractions

7 × 5 = 35

Step 3: Multiply the denominators of the two fractions

5 × 9 = 45

Step 4: Combining them and simplify the fraction to its lowest terms.

35/45 = 7/9

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