fractionsDecimals · Year 6 · Suggested learning sequence
Multiply fractions
A whole number times a fraction means that many lots of the fraction: 4 × 2/5 is 4 lots of 2 fifths, which is 8 fifths (8/5). The denominator stays the same. To multiply two fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions first.
Sample questions
2 × 7/8 = ?
- 2 × 7/8 means 2 lots of 7/8.
- Multiply the numerator by 2: 7 × 2 = 14. The denominator stays 8.
- 2 × 7/8 = 14/8 = 7/4
Answer: 7/4
2 × 6/7 = ?
- 2 × 6/7 means 2 lots of 6/7.
- Multiply the numerator by 2: 6 × 2 = 12. The denominator stays 7.
- 2 × 6/7 = 12/7
Answer: 12/7
5 × 1/2 = ?
- 5 × 1/2 means 5 lots of 1/2.
- Multiply the numerator by 5: 1 × 5 = 5. The denominator stays 2.
- 5 × 1/2 = 5/2
Answer: 5/2