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How to Mulitply a Fraction by a Whole Number

While multiplying whole numbers are relatively straightforward, multiplying a combination of whole numbers and fractions together can be a confusing mathematical concept. If you know how to multiply two fractions, converting a whole number into a fraction can make it visually less confusing to solve.

Instructions

- 1
  Convert the whole number to a fraction by placing the number "1" underneath the whole number. For example, a whole number of 4 would be written as 4/1.
- 2
  Place the two fractions next to one another and multiply the numerators and denominators. For example, if the fractions being multiplied are 4/1 and 5/2, the answer would be 20/2. The numerators multiplied together would equal 20 -- 4 x 5 = 20 -- and the denominators multiplied together would equal 2 -- 1 x 2 = 2.
- 3
  Divide the numerator and denominator by the least common denominator to simplify the fraction. For example, if the fraction is 20/2, the LCD can only be 2. Therefore, the simplified form of 20/2 is equivalent to 10/1, or simply 10.

Numerology