Fraction × Whole

Grade 5 · fractions · 79 practice problems · read aloud

🔊 Listen to this explanation

Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers 🧮

This operation helps you find a fraction of a whole number. It's super useful in real life, like when you're baking (using 1/2 cup of flour three times) or sharing pizza with friends!

How to Solve: Step-by-Step

  1. Rewrite the whole number as a fraction by putting it over 1.
  2. Multiply the numerators (top numbers).
  3. Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers).
  4. Simplify your answer if possible.

Let's See It In Action! ✨

Example 1: 3 × 2/5

Step 1: 3/1 × 2/5

Step 2: Multiply tops: 3 × 2 = 6

Step 3: Multiply bottoms: 1 × 5 = 5

Answer: 6/5 or 1 1/5

Example 2: 1/4 × 8

Step 1: 1/4 × 8/1

Step 2: Multiply tops: 1 × 8 = 8

Step 3: Multiply bottoms: 4 × 1 = 4

Step 4: Simplify: 8/4 = 2

Answer: 2

Watch Out! Common Mistakes 🚨

  • Don't add denominators: When multiplying 2 × 1/3, the denominator stays 3 (answer is 2/3), NOT 1/5!
  • Always simplify: If you get 4/8, remember to simplify it to 1/2.
  • Whole numbers become fractions: Don't forget to put the whole number over 1 in the first step.

Tips & Tricks 💡

  • Think of it as repeated addition: 4 × 1/6 is the same as 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6.
  • "Multiply straight across" is a great reminder for the steps.
  • If your answer is an "improper fraction" (top bigger than bottom, like 7/4), change it to a mixed number (1 3/4).

Time to Practice! 🏋️

Try these problems on your own:

  • 5 × 3/10
  • 2/7 × 14
  • 9 × 2/3

Tip: Draw a picture! For 3 × 1/4, draw three rectangles each divided into fourths and shade one part in each.

Practice problems

6 of the 79, worked through step by step — try them before opening the answer.

1 3/4 × 16 = ?

Hint: Think about what happens when you multiply a fraction by a whole number. You can multiply the numerator by the whole number first, then simplify.

Show the answer

Answer: 12

  1. Understand the problem. We need to multiply the fraction 3/4 by the whole number 16. So the problem is: 3/4 × 16.
  2. Interpret the multiplication. Multiplying a fraction by a whole number means we take a fraction of that whole number. Here, 3/4 of 16 means we divide 16 into 4 equal parts and then take 3 of those parts.
  3. Perform the calculation. One method is to multiply the numerator (top number of the fraction) by the whole number, then divide by the denominator (bottom number of the fraction). So: 3/4 × 16 = (3 × 16) / 4
  4. Multiply 3 by 16. 3 × 16 = 48
  5. Divide 48 by 4. 48 ÷ 4 = 12
  6. Conclusion. Therefore, 3/4 × 16 = 12. Final answer: 12

2 3/5 × 25 = ?

Hint: Remember that multiplying a fraction by a whole number means finding that fraction of the whole number. For example, 1/2 × 10 means half of 10.

Show the answer

Answer: 15

  1. Write the multiplication: 3/5 × 25
  2. Multiply the numerator by the whole number: 3 × 25 = 75
  3. Keep the same denominator: 75/5
  4. Simplify the fraction: 75 ÷ 5 = 15

The answer is 15.

3 3/4 × 28 = ?

Hint: Remember that multiplying a fraction by a whole number means finding that fraction of the whole number. For example, 1/2 × 10 means half of 10.

Show the answer

Answer: 21

  1. Write the multiplication: 3/4 × 28
  2. Convert the whole number to a fraction: 3/4 × 28/1
  3. Multiply numerators: 3 × 28 = 84
  4. Multiply denominators: 4 × 1 = 4
  5. Simplify the fraction: 84/4 = 21

The answer is 21.

4 2/3 × 18 = ?

Hint: Remember that multiplying a fraction by a whole number means finding that fraction of the whole number. For example, 1/2 × 10 means half of 10.

Show the answer

Answer: 12

  1. Write the multiplication: 2/3 × 18
  2. Multiply the numerator by the whole number: 2 × 18 = 36
  3. Keep the same denominator: 36/3
  4. Simplify the fraction: 36 ÷ 3 = 12

The answer is 12.

5 3/4 × 20 = ?

Hint: Remember that multiplying a fraction by a whole number means finding that fraction of the whole number.

Show the answer

Answer: 15

  1. Write the multiplication: 3/4 × 20
  2. Multiply the numerator by the whole number: 3 × 20 = 60
  3. Keep the same denominator: 60/4
  4. Simplify the fraction: 60 ÷ 4 = 15

The answer is 15.

6 3/5 × 20 = ?

Hint: Remember that multiplying a fraction by a whole number means finding that fraction of the whole number. For example, 1/2 × 10 means half of 10.

Show the answer

Answer: 12

  1. Write the multiplication: 3/5 × 20
  2. Multiply the numerator by the whole number: 3 × 20 = 60
  3. Keep the same denominator: 60/5
  4. Divide 60 by 5: 60 ÷ 5 = 12

The answer is 12.

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