Multiply a fraction by a whole number (grade 4) · lesson

Copies of a fraction

💡 A whole number times a fraction means that many copies of the fraction.

4 × 1/6 means 4 copies of 1/6. That is 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6, which is 4/6.

Adding the same fraction many times is the same as multiplying. 2/9 + 2/9 + 2/9 is 3 × 2/9.

🧠 Let's work it out

Find 4 × 1/6.

What do you think comes next?

💡 To multiply a whole number by a fraction, multiply the top and keep the bottom the same.

3 × 3/5 is 3 groups of 3 fifths. That is 9 fifths, or 9/5.

Only the top changes. The pieces are still fifths. If the top is bigger than the bottom, you can write a mixed number.

🧠 Let's work it out

Find 3 × 3/5.

What do you think comes next?

💡 When the same fraction amount repeats in a story, multiply it by the number of times.

Look for a fraction amount that happens each time: each lap, each batch, each glass.

Find how many times it happens. Then multiply that number by the fraction.

If the story happens on two days, add the times first. Then multiply once.

🧠 Let's work it out

A path is 2/5 of a mile. Ana walks it 7 times. How far does she walk?

What do you think comes next?