Multiply Fractions by Whole Numbers Using Diagrams

In this activity, we will be learning how to multiply fractions using diagrams. 

 

Look at this diagram, which shows two fifths of a rectangle shaded.

 

 

Let's multiply two fifths by 2.

This will give two lots of two fifths.

 

 

This gives four fifths shaded as shown.

 

 

 

Now let's try an example question. 

 

Example

Multiply two fifths by 3.

 

Answer

This will be three lots of two fifths.

 

 

This gives six fifths shaded as shown.

 

   

 

So we can write the following fraction equation to show our working:

 

 

Now it's your turn to try some questions like these.