Scaling Up Fractions
Multiplying a fraction by a whole number is just like skip-counting by fractions. If you run $\frac{1}{2}$ mile every day for 5 days, you are essentially calculating $5 \times \frac{1}{2}$.
The Secret Shortcut
When you multiply a whole number by a fraction, you only multiply the top (the numerator). The bottom (the denominator) stays the same because the size of the pieces hasn't changed!
| Method | Explanation | Example (LaTeX) |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated Addition | Add the fraction as many times as the whole number says. | $3 \times \frac{1}{5} = \frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{5} + \frac{1}{5} = \frac{3}{5}$ |
| The "Top Only" Rule | Multiply the whole number by the numerator. Keep the denominator. | $4 \times \frac{2}{9} = \frac{4 \times 2}{9} = \frac{8}{9}$ |
Solve the multiplication:
5
×
=
1
4
🧪
Lab Complete!
You can now scale any fraction up to any size. Your mathematical accuracy is 100%!