1. What is Fraction Multiplication?

Multiplying a fraction by a whole number is a fundamental arithmetic operation that scales the fraction by the whole number. The operation (a/b) × c can be simplified to (a×c)/b.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fraction multiplication formula:

Where:

• \( a \) — Numerator of the fraction (unitless)
• \( b \) — Denominator of the fraction (unitless, cannot be zero)
• \( c \) — Whole number to multiply by (unitless)

Explanation: The formula shows that multiplying a fraction by a whole number is equivalent to multiplying the numerator by that whole number while keeping the denominator the same.

3. Importance of Fraction Multiplication

Details: This operation is essential in scaling recipes, resizing images, calculating proportions in chemistry, and many real-world applications where quantities need to be adjusted proportionally.

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 simplified result and the step-by-step calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can the denominator be zero?
A: No, division by zero is undefined in mathematics. The denominator must always be a non-zero value.

Q2: What if my result is an improper fraction?
A: The calculator will display the improper fraction result. You can optionally convert it to a mixed number if desired.

Q3: Can I use decimal numbers?
A: Yes, the calculator accepts decimal values for all inputs.

Q4: How is this different from multiplying two fractions?
A: Multiplying two fractions (a/b × c/d) would give (a×c)/(b×d). Here we're multiplying a fraction by a whole number (a/b × c/1).

Q5: Can I simplify the result further?
A: The calculator gives the exact result. You may need to simplify it further by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor if possible.