Whole Times Fraction
Part of the Factors & Fractions section of Coddy's Pre-Algebra journey. Lesson 36 of 58.
4 × (5/6) means 4 lots of 5/6: 5/6 + 5/6 + 5/6 + 5/6, which is 20 sixths, 20/6.
The quick way: a whole number is a fraction over 1, so 4 is 4/1. Then multiply top by top and bottom by bottom: 4 · 5 is 20 and 1 · 6 is 6. Only the top grows. The bottom stays 6 because the pieces are still sixths; there are just more of them. Then simplify: 20/6 is 10/3.
10/3 is more than 1, which makes sense: 4 helpings of almost a whole are more than 3 wholes. As a mixed number it is 3 + 1/3, 3 and 1/3.
Challenge
Work out 6 × (5/8). Multiply, then write the result in lowest terms.
Try it yourself
Simplify the expression
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Factors & Fractions
1Factors and Multiples
What a Factor IsFactor PairsDivisibility RulesMultiplesPrime or CompositeRecap: Factors and Multiples4What a Fraction Is
Parts of a WholeFractions on the LineA Fraction of a NumberImproper FractionsRecap: What a Fraction Is7Multiplying Fractions
Top Times TopCancel FirstWhole Times FractionA Fraction of a FractionRecap: Multiplying Fractions10Fractions in Stories
Part of a GroupWhat Is LeftSharing a FractionScaling a RecipeRecap: Fraction Stories2Prime Factorization
Factor TreesUsing ExponentsOne Tree per NumberBigger NumbersRecap: Prime Factorization5Equivalent Fractions
Same Amount, New NameSimplifying FractionsSimplify in StepsComparing FractionsRecap: Equivalent Fractions