1. What is Fraction Multiplication?

Multiplying a fraction by a whole number follows the same principle as multiplying two fractions. The whole number can be considered as a fraction with denominator 1. The result is obtained by multiplying the numerator by the whole number while keeping the denominator the same.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( a \) — Numerator of the fraction
• \( b \) — Denominator of the fraction
• \( c \) — Whole number to multiply by

Explanation: The calculator first performs the multiplication in the numerator, then simplifies the resulting fraction by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator.

3. Importance of Fraction Multiplication

Details: Multiplying fractions by whole numbers is a fundamental arithmetic operation used in various real-world applications like scaling recipes, calculating proportions, and solving ratio problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the numerator and denominator of your fraction (denominator cannot be zero), and the whole number you want to multiply by. The calculator will show both the direct result and the simplified form if possible.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my result is an improper fraction?
A: The calculator will show the improper fraction and its simplified form. You can convert it to a mixed number if needed.

Q2: Can I multiply a whole number by a fraction?
A: Yes, multiplication is commutative, so a × (b/c) gives the same result as (b/c) × a.

Q3: What if my denominator is 1?
A: The calculator will show the result as a whole number when simplified.

Q4: How does the calculator simplify fractions?
A: It uses the Euclidean algorithm to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of numerator and denominator.

Q5: Can I use negative numbers?
A: The current implementation only accepts non-negative integers, but the mathematical operation works with negatives.