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5 votes
Can someone please explain how to multiply fractions and whole numbers?

User Jhtong
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2 Answers

3 votes

When multiplying fractions you can multiply both numerators and both denominators:

1/3 * 5/4 = 5/12 (5*1 = 5 and 3*4=12)

When multiplying whole numbers you take the number and add it to itself the amount of times the other number says:

2*3 ... 2+2+2 (cause of the "3" do it three times) or 3+3 =6

User Viet Dinh
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4 votes

When you multiply fractions, say, 2/3 and 4/5, the numerators and denominators are multiplied, such that 2/3 * 4/5 = 2*4 / 5*3 (which is 8/15).

When you multiply whole numbers, say 3 * 4, you are essentially adding three together four times, such that 3 * 4 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 (or 4 + 4 + 4)

User Fbarikzehy
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5.4k points