Mastering the Art of Multiplying Whole Numbers by Fractions- A Step-by-Step Guide_2
How to Multiply a Whole Number with a Fraction
Multiplying a whole number with a fraction is a fundamental math skill that is essential for various real-life situations. Whether you are calculating discounts, measuring ingredients, or understanding ratios, knowing how to multiply a whole number with a fraction is crucial. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of multiplying a whole number with a fraction, and provide you with some practical examples to help you master this skill.
Understanding the Basics
Before we dive into the multiplication process, it is important to understand the basic components of a fraction. A fraction consists of two numbers: the numerator and the denominator. The numerator represents the number of parts we have, while the denominator represents the total number of parts in the whole. For example, in the fraction 3/4, the numerator is 3, and the denominator is 4, which means we have 3 parts out of a total of 4 parts.
Step-by-Step Process
Now that we have a basic understanding of fractions, let’s discuss the step-by-step process of multiplying a whole number with a fraction:
1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction.
2. Write the product from step 1 as the numerator of the new fraction.
3. Keep the denominator of the original fraction unchanged.
4. Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible.
Example 1
Let’s say we want to multiply the whole number 6 with the fraction 3/4. Here’s how we can do it:
1. Multiply the whole number (6) by the numerator (3): 6 3 = 18.
2. Write the product (18) as the numerator of the new fraction: 18/4.
3. Keep the denominator (4) unchanged.
4. Simplify the resulting fraction: 18/4 can be simplified to 9/2.
So, the product of 6 multiplied by 3/4 is 9/2.
Example 2
Now, let’s consider another example: multiplying the whole number 5 with the fraction 2/5.
1. Multiply the whole number (5) by the numerator (2): 5 2 = 10.
2. Write the product (10) as the numerator of the new fraction: 10/5.
3. Keep the denominator (5) unchanged.
4. Simplify the resulting fraction: 10/5 can be simplified to 2.
Therefore, the product of 5 multiplied by 2/5 is 2.
Conclusion
Multiplying a whole number with a fraction is a straightforward process that involves multiplying the whole number by the numerator and keeping the denominator unchanged. By following the step-by-step process and practicing with different examples, you will be able to master this skill and apply it in various real-life situations. Remember to always simplify the resulting fraction, if possible, to obtain the most accurate and concise answer.