Multiply a Whole Number by a Fraction

"2/5 of 15" has the same meaning as "2/5 x 15"

Steps to follow to find the fraction of a whole number:
For example, to find 2/5 x 15
Step 1: Write the whole number as a fraction (2/5 x 15/1)
Step 2: Multiply the numerators, then multiply the denominators (2 x 15/5 x 1 = 30/5)
Step 3: Simplify (30/5 = 6)

A whole number can be written as a fraction with denominator 1

2/5 of 15 can also be calculated as twice of (1/5 of 15)

There are three models to show the multiplication of a whole number and a fraction

'Number Line model' uses "hops" on a number line

Addition Model uses addition to multiply a fraction and a whole number
For example, 3 x 1/2 = 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 = 3/2

In area model, to find 2 x 1/3, draw 2 squares, each with an area of 1 square unit. Think of the problem 2 x 1/3 as "What is 1/3 of an area that has 2 square units?"

A fraction with 1 in the numerator is called a Unit Fraction. The fractions 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 are Unit Fractions