Multiplying a fraction by a whole number is not actually a great mathematical feat, yet many people find it difficult to remember how to calculate the result. Let's look at it in detail now, to make sure you never forget it again!
Multiplying a fraction by an integer will not work without knowing the basics
Many people are already stuck on what the numerator and denominator are. You may want to review the parts of the fractures. Then the whole process will be much clearer.
What does it mean in practice when you multiply a fraction by a whole number?
Before we count anything, let's see what multiplying a fraction by a whole number actually means.
Of course, you can say it's just a multiplication, but it's still worth digging a little deeper!
So let's look at it all through an example!
Let this be the challenge:
What exactly does this mean?
We have half of something that we buy twice. Now let's make that something an apple.
There's half of one:
You can see that, just like multiplication, multiplying a fraction by a whole number can also mean adding. So many times add the fraction, as the whole number represents:
Now let's see how the fraction is multiplied by an integer!
Multiplying a fraction by an integer step by step
Multiplying the fraction by an integer means that multiply the numerator of the fraction by the integer:
In the end, never forget the simplify fractions - provided it can be simplified!
Remember that and you can always do it:
Multiply a fraction by an integer by multiplying the numerator and leaving the denominator unchanged.
Now I'll show you a super trick!
Multiplying fractions by integers: the trick
If you multiply a fraction by an integer, there is a trick you can use to avoid having to simplify and thus avoid getting a very ugly fraction.
You can multiply a fraction by an integer by leaving the numerator unchanged and dividing the denominator by the integer.
Well, this is... is conditional on the denominator of the fraction being divisible by the integer.
How is it? Let me show you through the example above:
Whether you multiply a fraction by an integer or an integer by a fraction?
Since the members (which are multiplied together) are interchangeable, it makes no difference whether you multiply the integer by the fraction or the fraction by the integer. You have to calculate it the same way.
I hope that I have been able to help you and multiplication of fractions it will be much easier for you from now on!