Multiply Mixed Numbers by Whole Numbers

Look at the diagram below which shows one and 1/4 of a rectangle shaded.

That is one whole rectangle and 1⁄4 of a rectangle.

Let's multiply one and 1/4 by 4.

This will give 4 lots of one and 1⁄4.

1 1/4 + 1 1/4 + 1 1/4 + 1 1/4 = 4 4/4

4 4/4 is the same as 5 wholes.

This is shown by the diagram below.

4 x 1 and 1/4 = 5.

How about doing the same calculation without the diagram?

4 x 1 1⁄4.

First of all you need to multiply the whole numbers: 4 x 1 = 4

Next, multiply the fraction: 4 x 1⁄4 = 4/4 which equals 1

Finally, add the two answers together: 4 + 1 = 5