Boba Maths

Year 6 · Arithmetic skills · Skill 11C

Skill 11C: Multiplying mixed numbers by whole numbers

Multiply a mixed number by a whole number.

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Each file is an editable Word document (.docx) with 25 questions in five columns. It opens in Word, Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice, so you can change questions or add working space before printing.

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Worked example

A mixed number multiplied by a whole number can be done two ways. Both always give the same answer, so pick the one you find easier.

Example 1

Two methods for the same question

23⁄8 × 6

  1. Method 1: partition. Multiply the whole number and the fraction separately. First the whole number: 2 × 6 = 12.
  2. Now the fraction: 3⁄8 × 6 = 18⁄8, which simplifies to 21⁄4.
  3. Add the two parts: 12 + 21⁄4 = 141⁄4.
  4. Method 2: improper fraction. 23⁄8 = 19⁄8 because 2 × 8 + 3 = 19.
  5. Multiply the top by 6: 19 × 6 = 114, so 19⁄8 × 6 = 114⁄8. Simplify and convert: 114⁄8 = 141⁄4.
  6. Both methods give 141⁄4.

Answer: 141⁄4

Top tips

  • Check whether the denominator divides into the whole number: it makes cancelling easy.
  • Partitioning keeps the numbers small.
  • Always give the final answer as a mixed number or whole number.

Watch out for

  • Multiplying only the whole number part.
  • Forgetting to add the whole number and fraction parts together.

Try some questions

These are from the worksheet. Work each one out, then open it to check.

  1. 11⁄2 × 4 =
    Show the answer

    6

  2. 23⁄4 × 8 =
    Show the answer

    22

  3. 31⁄8 × 16 =
    Show the answer

    50

  4. 717⁄24 × 24 =
    Show the answer

    185

All arithmetic skills

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Arithmetic skills overview · Year 6 overview