1/15
00:00

Q.2 Multiply mixed numbers, fractions, and whole numbers

Loading questions...

What does it mean to multiply fractions?

Multiplying fractions means finding a part of a part. When you multiply two fractions, you multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

Example:
  • 12 × 13 = 16
Note

Multiply straight across: top × top and bottom × bottom. Always simplify your answer if possible.

How to multiply a fraction by a whole number

To multiply a whole number by a fraction, think of the whole number as a fraction with a denominator of 1. Then multiply as usual.

Example:
  • 3 × 25 = 65 = 115
Note

Always check if your answer can be written as a mixed number. A mixed number has a whole part and a fractional part.

How to multiply two mixed numbers

To multiply mixed numbers, first change each mixed number to an improper fraction. Then multiply the fractions and simplify your answer.

Example:
  • 112 × 213
  • = 32 × 73
  • = 216 = 312
Note

Convert back to a mixed number after multiplying if your answer is an improper fraction.

Multiplying a mixed number by a fraction

When multiplying a mixed number by a fraction, convert the mixed number to an improper fraction first, then multiply as usual.

Example:
  • 214 × 23
  • = 94 × 23
  • = 1812 = 112
Note

You can simplify before or after multiplying to make your work easier.

Check your work

After multiplying, always simplify your fraction and check if your answer makes sense. The product should be reasonable compared to the numbers you started with.

Example:
  • If you multiply two numbers less than 1, the product should be smaller than both numbers.
  • 34 × 23 = 612 = 12
Note

Reasonableness is key: if your answer seems too big or too small, double-check your multiplication and conversions.