Mathematics
Grade 6
15 min
Multiply fractions by whole numbers: word problems
Multiply fractions by whole numbers: word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify key information in word problems involving fractions and whole numbers.
Translate word problems into mathematical expressions for multiplying fractions by whole numbers.
Accurately multiply a fraction by a whole number.
Simplify the product of a fraction and a whole number to its lowest terms.
Interpret the solution in the context of the original word problem.
Solve real-world problems that require multiplying fractions by whole numbers.
Have you ever wondered how much flour you need if you want to make three batches of a recipe that calls for 1/2 cup of flour? 🤔 This lesson will show you how!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to tackle word problems that involve multiplying fractions by whole numbers. We'll break down how to understan...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FractionA number that represents a part of a whole. It is written as a numerator (top number) over a denominator (bottom number).In the fraction $\frac{3}{4}$, 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
Whole NumberA counting number without any fractional or decimal parts (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, ...).5, 12, and 100 are all whole numbers.
ProductThe result obtained when two or more numbers are multiplied together.The product of 3 and 4 is 12.
NumeratorThe top number in a fraction, which tells how many parts of the whole are being considered.In $\frac{2}{5}$, the numerator is 2.
DenominatoThe bottom number in a fraction, which tells the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.In $\frac{2}{5}$, the denominator is 5.
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presente...
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Core Formulas
Multiplying a Fraction by a Whole Number
To multiply a fraction by a whole number, multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole number, and keep the denominator the same. Then, simplify the resulting fraction if possible.
This rule is used when you need to find a 'part of a whole number' or 'a whole number of parts'. For example, if you have 3 groups, and each group is $\frac{1}{2}$ of something, you multiply 3 by $\frac{1}{2}$. The formula is: $\frac{a}{b} \times c = \frac{a \times c}{b}$
Representing a Whole Number as a Fraction
Any whole number can be written as a fraction by placing it over a denominator of 1.
This helps visualize the multiplication process, especially when multiplying two fractions. For example, $5$ can be written as $\frac{5}...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
After making 5 batches of slime, each requiring $\frac{2}{3}$ of a cup of glue, Sarah had 1 cup of glue left. How many cups of glue did she start with?
A.$3\frac{1}{3}$ cups
B.$3\frac{2}{3}$ cups
C.$4\frac{1}{3}$ cups
D.5 cups
Challenging
A rectangular park is 20 miles long. Its width is $\frac{3}{4}$ of its length. What is the area of the park in square miles?
A.15 square miles
B.300 square miles
C.150 square miles
D.60 square miles
Challenging
A sports team practices for 15 hours each week. $\frac{1}{3}$ of the time is spent on warming up, and $\frac{2}{5}$ of the time is spent on drills. How many hours are spent on warming up and drills combined?
A.11 hours
B.9 hours
C.10 hours
D.12 hours
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