MULTIPLICATION: Example 1

Rule 12: To multiply a whole number and a fraction, complete the following steps.

1.

Convert the whole number to a fraction. (See Rule 8)

2.

Multiply the numerators.

3.

Multiply the denominators.

4.

Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)
a.
Factor the product of the numerators.
b.
Factor the product of the denominators.
c.
Look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

Example 1: Multiply tex2html_wrap_inline45 .

Answer. Convert the 7 to the fraction . Then we have

Multiply the numerators and the denominators, but leave them in factored form tex2html_wrap_inline51 .

Factor the numerator and denominator and look for the fractions that have a value of 1. We have

Now prove to yourself with your calculator that your answer is correct. Calculate 4 divided by 21 and multiply the answer by 7. Now calculate 4 divided by 3. If you are correct, the answers are the same (equivalent) and you have successfully multiplied a whole number by a simple fraction.

If you would like to review another example, click on the word Example.

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Author: Nancy Marcus