tial GMAT Quant Skills 14.8 Multiplying and dividing a whole number and a fraction When we multiply @ whole number and a fracton, we multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction, and wre this product over the denominator ofthe fraction. This wl bo the answer 3 2 24. n genera. ifthe (simply the answer f necessary). For example, 5 x 3 = 1S and 6 hole numbers A ond the factions, then Ax 2 3) Must Know: Aa > Ha whole number is A and a fractions B, then Ax 2 Some students make the mistake of multiplving the whole number by bth the numerator and the denominator ofthe fraction. Far example, they think S « 3 is equalto JS, where 1s obtained trom ‘uliptying 5 and 3 and 20 strom muttplying 5 and 4. However, we reduce 1, to lowest terms, wwe get 3, How could 5 3 sillbe 27 t doesn't make sense since 5 mes a timber should be 5 times as much; shouldn't be the same as the number tsell So clearly, multiplying the whole number by Both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction will not gve us the product of the whole number and te fraction, To avoid making this mistake, vre can write the whole number as a fraction too. That is. we simply pul he whole number over. For example, « 2= § x 2. Since the rule of multiplying two tractons is numeratort ator and denominator times denominator, we have 5x 3= $x 2= 18.9 tho same when you need to divide a whole numbor by a fraction ora faction by a whole number before changing to multiplication, For example, x 4=2ang 2-6-2+8- 3 i Must Know: a When multiplying or dividing a whole number and a fraction, consider writing the whole ‘umber as a fraction by putting the whole number over 1 Consider the following examples: Example 18 =) OO jo os 4x $+3% 2 Is equal to which of the following? off NE oft Show solution V Example 19 oa Is equal to which of the following? ee us Example 20 oa Is equal to which of the following? How helpful aid you fine this lescon? Veryanbebts Unie Nea Hp Vey Het