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How to Multiply Mixed Fractions with Whole Numbers Step by Step?

Published in Multiplying Fractions 2 mins read

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:

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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:

  1. Convert 2 1/3 to an improper fraction: (2 * 3 + 1) / 3 = 7/3
  2. Convert 4 to a fraction: 4/1
  3. Multiply the fractions: 7/3 * 4/1 = 28/3
  4. Convert 28/3 to a mixed number: 9 1/3

Therefore, 2 1/3 * 4 = 9 1/3.

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