Here's how to multiply mixed fractions by whole numbers:
Multiplying mixed fractions with whole numbers involves converting the mixed fraction to an improper fraction and the whole number into a fraction, and then multiplying the two fractions.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
-
Convert the mixed fraction to an improper fraction:
- Multiply the whole number part of the mixed fraction by the denominator.
- Add the numerator to the result.
- Place the result over the original denominator.
Example:
2 1/3 = (2 * 3 + 1) / 3 = 7/3
-
Convert the whole number to a fraction:
- Place the whole number over a denominator of 1.
- Example: According to the provided YouTube video transcript, "For your whole number just place it over 1."
- Example:
4 = 4/1
-
Multiply the fractions:
- Multiply the numerators (the top numbers).
- Multiply the denominators (the bottom numbers).
- Example: According to the provided YouTube video transcript, "Multiply now straight across".
Example:
7/3 * 4/1 = (7 * 4) / (3 * 1) = 28/3
-
Simplify the resulting fraction (if possible):
- Reduce the fraction to its simplest form.
- Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number (if desired).
Example:
28/3 = 9 1/3
- Divide 28 by 3, which gives you 9 with a remainder of 1. Therefore, 28/3 equals the mixed number 9 1/3.
- Example: According to the provided YouTube video transcript, "Now we can convert it back into an improper, excuse me, a mixed".
Example:
Let's multiply 2 1/3
by 4
:
- Convert
2 1/3
to an improper fraction:(2 * 3 + 1) / 3 = 7/3
- Convert
4
to a fraction:4/1
- Multiply the fractions:
7/3 * 4/1 = 28/3
- Convert
28/3
to a mixed number:9 1/3
Therefore, 2 1/3 * 4 = 9 1/3
.