Lesson 3: Multiply Fractions and Whole Numbers

Property

To multiply a whole number ($n$) by a fraction ($\frac{a}{b}$), multiply the whole number by the numerator ($a$) and keep the denominator ($b$) the same.

Examples

Property

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number:

1. Divide the denominator into the numerator.
2. Identify the quotient, remainder, and divisor.
3. Write the mixed number as $\text{quotient} \frac{\text{remainder}}{\text{divisor}}$.

Examples

• To convert $\frac{13}{5}$: Divide 13 by 5 to get a quotient of 2 and a remainder of 3. The mixed number is $2 \frac{3}{5}$.
• To convert $\frac{9}{2}$: Divide 9 by 2 to get a quotient of 4 and a remainder of 1. The mixed number is $4 \frac{1}{2}$.
• To convert $\frac{22}{7}$: Divide 22 by 7 to get a quotient of 3 and a remainder of 1. The mixed number is $3 \frac{1}{7}$.

Explanation

Think of this as making full groups. If you have $\frac{7}{3}$ (seven-thirds), you can make two full groups of three-thirds, with one-third left over. This gives you the mixed number $2 \frac{1}{3}$.