Fractions might seem tricky at first, but they’re actually quite fun to work with once you get the hang of it! Today, we’re going to explore a simple fraction multiplication problem together. Get ready to unlock the secret of what happens when we multiply a whole number by a fraction.
Whether you’re helping your kids with their homework, brushing up on your own math skills, or simply curious, understanding fractions is a valuable skill. Let’s dive in and discover the answer to a common question that will help us better understand multiplying fractions.
Unlocking the Mystery
Multiplying a whole number by a fraction is easier than you might think! When we ask, “what is 2 times 3/4?”, we’re really asking, “what do we get if we add 3/4 to itself?” It is like having two portions of 3/4 of something, perhaps pizza or cake!
Think of it like this: 3/4 represents three out of four equal parts. So, if we have two sets of three out of four parts, we can combine them. This combination gives us a total of six out of four parts, or 6/4. It’s all about combining the numerators (the top numbers).
Now, 6/4 is an “improper fraction” because the numerator is bigger than the denominator. We can simplify this! 6/4 is the same as 1 and 2/4 (one whole and two quarters). This is because 4/4 makes a whole, leaving 2/4 remaining from the original 6/4.
But we’re not done yet! The fraction 2/4 can be simplified further. Both 2 and 4 can be divided by 2. When we do that, we get 1/2. Therefore, 1 and 2/4 is the same as 1 and 1/2. So, the final answer to what is 2 times 3/4 is 1 and 1/2!
Another way to look at it is to turn 2 into a fraction too! Think of 2 as 2/1. Then, multiply the numerators (2 x 3 = 6) and the denominators (1 x 4 = 4), giving you 6/4. Again, simplifying 6/4 leads to the answer of 1 and 1/2.
So, there you have it! We’ve successfully navigated the world of fraction multiplication. With a little practice, multiplying fractions will become second nature. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different numbers and see what you discover. Keep exploring and enjoy the journey of learning!