Fractions:Multiplication & Division

Grade 5Fractions

Multiply fractions by whole numbers or fractions, and divide unit fractions and whole numbers.

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1Multiply a fraction by a whole number

When you multiply a fraction by a whole number, you can think of it as adding that fraction many times.

Example:
23 × 4 = 83 = 223
23
+
23
+
23
+
23

We added four copies of 23, which equals 83, or 223.

2Multiply fractions

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators, then simplify if possible.

Example:
23 × 35 = 615 = 25

Multiply numerators:
2 × 3 = 6
Multiply denominators:
3 × 5 = 15
Simplify 615 = 25.

3Divide a unit fraction by a whole number

When you divide a unit fraction by a whole number, you split it into that many equal parts.

Example:
12 ÷ 4 = 18
12
➜
18

We split 12 into 4 equal parts, so each part is 18.

4Divide a whole number by a unit fraction

To divide a whole number by a unit fraction, think about how many copies of the unit fraction fit into the whole number.

Example:
3 ÷ 12 = 6
1
1
1
6 halves

Each whole has 2 halves.

3 wholes have
3 × 2 = 6 halves.

So, 3 ÷ 12 = 6.

🌟 Try it yourself!

What is 34 × 2?