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Multiplying Fractions with Whole Numbers Download Article Follow this easy guide with example problems Co-authored by Mario Banuelos, PhD and Aly Rusciano
Last Updated: September 22, 2025 Fact Checked
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Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers
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Multiplying Mixed Fractions by Mixed Fractions
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This article was co-authored by Mario Banuelos, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Mario Banuelos is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at California State University, Fresno. With over eight years of teaching experience, Mario specializes in mathematical biology, optimization, statistical models for genome evolution, and data science. Mario holds a BA in Mathematics from California State University, Fresno, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Merced. Mario has taught at both the high school and collegiate levels. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,362,106 times.
So, you have a math problem where you’re tasked with multiplying fractions by whole numbers. Maybe the whole numbers are in a mixed fraction or by themselves. Either way, the task isn’t as difficult as you may think! In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of multiplying fractions with whole numbers. Plus, we’ve even provided practice problems and examples to help you understand the process better.
How do you multiply a fraction by a whole number?
Write the whole number as a fraction with the whole number on top and 1 on the bottom.
Multiply the top numbers (numerators) of the fractions
Multiply the bottom numbers (denominators) of the fractions.
Simplify your answer if you can.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Multiplying Fractions by Whole Numbers
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1 Rewrite the whole number as a fraction. Associate professor of mathematics Mario Bañuelos, PhD explains, “To multiply fractions with whole numbers, simply convert the whole number to a fraction by dividing by 1.”[1]X Expert Source Mario Banuelos, PhDAssociate Professor of MathematicsExpert Interview To rewrite a whole number as a fraction, simply place the whole number over 1 to make an improper fraction.[2]XResearch source
For example, if you have 5 x 8/10, put the 5 over 1 to make the equation 5/1 x 8/10.
2 Multiply the numerators of the fractions. The next step to multiplying fractions by whole numbers is to “multiply across,” according to Banuelos.[3]X Expert Source Mario Banuelos, PhDAssociate Professor of MathematicsExpert Interview Multiply the numerators (or top numbers) together. This will be the numerator of your result.[4]XResearch source
In the example, 5/1 x 8/10, multiply 5 by 8 to get 40. 40 is the numerator.
The numerator is the number above the fraction line.
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3 Multiply the denominators of the two fractions. Multiply the numbers below the fraction lines to get your denominator.[5]XResearch source
For example, if you’re multiplying 5/1 x 8/10, multiply 1 by 10 to get 10. Place this below the line to get an answer of 40/10.
4 Reduce the answer if possible. The majority of the time, your answer will be an improper fraction (a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator). If your answer is an improper fraction, simplify it to the lowest terms. Do this by dividing the numerator by the denominator to get a simplified result.[6]XResearch source
For example, to reduce 40/10, divide 40 by 10 to get 4 as your new answer.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Multiplying Mixed Fractions by Mixed Fractions
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1 Convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions. To do this, first multiply the denominator (the bottom number) of the first fraction by the whole number. Then, add the number you get to the denominator. Place the result over the line and leave the denominator as is. Repeat with the second mixed fraction.[7]XResearch source
For example, say you start with 1 1/2 x 4 4/7.
1 1/2 becomes 3/2 because 1 x 2 + 1 = 3.
4 4/7 becomes 32/7 because 4 x 7 + 4 = 32.
Your equation is now 3/2 x 32/7.
An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.[8]XResearch source
2 Multiply the numerators of the improper fractions. Now that you have two improper fractions and no whole numbers in the equation, multiply the numerators (top numbers) together. Write the result and place a line below it.[9]XResearch source
For example, with 3/2 x 32/7, multiply 3 by 32 to get 96. 96 is the numerator.
The numerator is always the top number in a fraction.
3 Multiply the denominators of the improper fractions. Multiply the bottom numbers and write the result under your numerator.[10]XResearch source
For example, with 3/2 x 32/7, multiply the 2 by 7 to get 14.
The denominator is always the bottom number in a fraction. Your fraction is now 96/14.
4 Turn the answer into a mixed fraction if possible. If the numerator of your result is larger than the denominator, see how many times the denominator can go into the numerator. Then, put the remainder over the denominator to create a mixed fraction.[11]XResearch source
For example, with our improper fraction 96/14:
14 can go into 96 six times.
14 x 6 = 84
96 - 84 = 12 (which is our remainder)
Therefore, the answer is 6 12/14.
5 Simplify the fraction further if possible. Even when you turn the answer into a mixed fraction, the answer will probably be able to be simplified further. Look at the fraction and see if it can be reduced any further.[12]XResearch source
For example, 6 12/14 can be simplified to 6 6/7 because both the numerator and denominator can be divided by 2.
When simplifying a mixed fraction, keep the whole number the same.
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Practice Problems
Multiply Fractions with Whole Numbers Practice ProblemsANSWER KEY - Multiply Fractions with Whole Numbers Practice Problems
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Question What if the question has two fractions, like 1/4 x 13 1/2? Donagan Top Answerer Change the mixed number to an improper fraction, then multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator. Simplify the answer if possible, and change it back to a mixed number if you like. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 103 Helpful 202
Question Please give an example of multiplying fractions and whole numbers. Community Answer If you have a question of say, 4 x 2/3, take the 4 first, and put it out of 1, making it 4/1. The reason is that it's 4 wholes. To check, you can simplify 4/1, which will be 4, so it's obviously right.Then, taking 4/1 x 2/3, multiply the numerators first. The numerators, which are 4 and 2, will be multiplied to make 8. Question so far: 4/1 x 2/3= 8/? To find the denominator of the answer, take the denominators of the question, 1 and 3, and multiply those together. 1 multiplied by 3 will be 3. Question Answered: 4/1 x 2/3= 8/3. So, your answer is 8/3, and there you have it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 205 Helpful 343
Question How do I work 1/5×7? Snallison Community Answer First, you make 7 into a fraction by putting it over 1, to create 7/1. Then you multiply across the top and across the bottom, which gives you 7/5. Because this is improper, you have to make this into a mixed number. To fix this, you have to divide 7 by 5. The answer is 1 with a remainder of 2. 1 is the whole number and 2 goes over the original denominator, 5. The final answer is 1 2/5. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 145 Helpful 230
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Tips
Remember that if you multiply a negative value by a positive value, the answer will be negative. However, if you have a negative value and a negative value, the negatives will cancel each other, giving you a positive result. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Still unsure if your answer is correct? Check your work with an online fraction calculator like Calculator Soup. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References
↑ Mario Banuelos, PhD. Associate Professor of Mathematics. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Mario Banuelos, PhD Associate Professor of Mathematics This article was co-authored by Mario Banuelos, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Mario Banuelos is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at California State University, Fresno. With over eight years of teaching experience, Mario specializes in mathematical biology, optimization, statistical models for genome evolution, and data science. Mario holds a BA in Mathematics from California State University, Fresno, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Merced. Mario has taught at both the high school and collegiate levels. This article has been viewed 2,362,106 times. 5 votes - 84% Co-authors: 88Updated: September 22, 2025 Views: 2,362,106 Categories: FractionsArticle SummaryX
To multiply a fraction by a whole number, first rewrite the whole number as a fraction by putting it over a 1. For example, let’s say you’re trying to solve 5 x 8/10. You would start by rewriting 5 as a fraction. Now the equation looks like 5/1 x 8/10. Next you need to multiply the numerators, or top numbers, of the fractions together. In our example, 5 and 8 are the numerators, so you would multiply 5 by 8 and get 40. Now do the same thing with the denominators, or bottom numbers, of the fractions. One and 10 are the denominators, so you would multiply 1 by 10 and get 10. The new fraction is 40/10. If you can’t simplify the new fraction, you’re done and that’s your answer. If you can, simplify the fraction to the lowest terms. In our example we ended up with 40/10, which can be simplified by dividing the numerator and denominator by 10, which gives you 4/1. Therefore, 5 x 8/10 = 4/1, or 4. To learn how to multiply a normal fraction with a whole number, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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May 25, 2017
"This article was helpful to me because I am right now struggling in 6th grade math. For my most recent lesson, I have to find the area of a triangle. It was hard for me (for some reason) to figure out how to multiply 1/2 times, say, 12. Thank you, wikiHow! Very grateful."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mario Banuelos, PhD Associate Professor of Mathematics Co-authors: 88Updated: September 22, 2025 Views: 2,362,10684% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote
Sadie
May 25, 2017
"This article was helpful to me because I am right now struggling in 6th grade math. For my most recent lesson, I have to find the area of a triangle. It was hard for me (for some reason) to figure out how to multiply 1/2 times, say, 12. Thank you, wikiHow! Very grateful."..." more
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Apr 2, 2023
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Download Article Follow this easy guide with example problems Co-authored by Mario Banuelos, PhD and Aly Rusciano 
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Co-authored by: Mario Banuelos, PhD Associate Professor of Mathematics This article was co-authored by Mario Banuelos, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Mario Banuelos is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at California State University, Fresno. With over eight years of teaching experience, Mario specializes in mathematical biology, optimization, statistical models for genome evolution, and data science. Mario holds a BA in Mathematics from California State University, Fresno, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Merced. Mario has taught at both the high school and collegiate levels. This article has been viewed 2,362,106 times. 5 votes - 84% Co-authors: 88 Updated: September 22, 2025 Views: 2,362,106 Categories: Fractions Article SummaryX
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542 
1 Rewrite the whole number as a fraction. Associate professor of mathematics Mario Bañuelos, PhD explains, “To multiply fractions with whole numbers, simply convert the whole number to a fraction by dividing by 1.”[1] To rewrite a whole number as a fraction, simply place the whole number over 1 to make an improper fraction.[2] 
2 Multiply the numerators of the fractions. The next step to multiplying fractions by whole numbers is to “multiply across,” according to Banuelos.[3] Multiply the numerators (or top numbers) together. This will be the numerator of your result.[4] 
3 Multiply the denominators of the two fractions. Multiply the numbers below the fraction lines to get your denominator.[5] 
4 Reduce the answer if possible. The majority of the time, your answer will be an improper fraction (a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator). If your answer is an improper fraction, simplify it to the lowest terms. Do this by dividing the numerator by the denominator to get a simplified result.[6] 
1 Convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions. To do this, first multiply the denominator (the bottom number) of the first fraction by the whole number. Then, add the number you get to the denominator. Place the result over the line and leave the denominator as is. Repeat with the second mixed fraction.[7] 
2 Multiply the numerators of the improper fractions. Now that you have two improper fractions and no whole numbers in the equation, multiply the numerators (top numbers) together. Write the result and place a line below it.[9] 
3 Multiply the denominators of the improper fractions. Multiply the bottom numbers and write the result under your numerator.[10] 
4 Turn the answer into a mixed fraction if possible. If the numerator of your result is larger than the denominator, see how many times the denominator can go into the numerator. Then, put the remainder over the denominator to create a mixed fraction.[11] 
5 Simplify the fraction further if possible. Even when you turn the answer into a mixed fraction, the answer will probably be able to be simplified further. Look at the fraction and see if it can be reduced any further.[12] 
Multiply Fractions with Whole Numbers Practice Problems 
ANSWER KEY - Multiply Fractions with Whole Numbers Practice Problems 
Community Answer If you have a question of say, 4 x 2/3, take the 4 first, and put it out of 1, making it 4/1. The reason is that it's 4 wholes. To check, you can simplify 4/1, which will be 4, so it's obviously right.Then, taking 4/1 x 2/3, multiply the numerators first. The numerators, which are 4 and 2, will be multiplied to make 8. Question so far: 4/1 x 2/3= 8/? To find the denominator of the answer, take the denominators of the question, 1 and 3, and multiply those together. 1 multiplied by 3 will be 3. Question Answered: 4/1 x 2/3= 8/3. So, your answer is 8/3, and there you have it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 205 Helpful 343 
Snallison Community Answer First, you make 7 into a fraction by putting it over 1, to create 7/1. Then you multiply across the top and across the bottom, which gives you 7/5. Because this is improper, you have to make this into a mixed number. To fix this, you have to divide 7 by 5. The answer is 1 with a remainder of 2. 1 is the whole number and 2 goes over the original denominator, 5. The final answer is 1 2/5. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 145 Helpful 230