3 × 2/5 means three lots of 2/5. That is 2/5 + 2/5 + 2/5 = 6/5. So multiply the numerator by the whole number and keep the denominator.
If the answer is an improper fraction, you can write it as a mixed number: 6/5 = 1 1/5. Multiplying by a whole number makes the fraction bigger, because you have more of the same-sized parts.
You can also simplify first. 6 × 1/3 is 6 thirds, and 3 thirds make 1 whole, so 6 thirds make 2.
Worked example
4 × 3/8 =
- Multiply the numerator: 4 × 3 = 12, so 12/8.
- Simplify: 12/8 = 3/2 = 1 1/2.
Answer:1 1/2
Key words
- repeated addition
- adding the same fraction several times
- numerator
- the top number
- mixed number
- a whole number and a fraction
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 4.NF.B.4