3/8 Times 16 equals?

3/8 Times 16 equals?

To find the product of 3/8 times 16, simply multiply the two numbers:

(3/8) * 16 = (3 * 16) / 8 = 48/8.

Now, simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 8:

(48/8) / (8/8) = 6/1 = 6.

So, 3/8 times 16 equals 6.

Multiplying Fractions

Multiplying fractions is a common mathematical operation that involves taking two fractional values and determining their product. The general process involves multiplying the numerators together and multiplying the denominators together.

For example, to multiply 2/3 * 3/5:

• Numerators: 2 * 3 = 6
• Denominators: 3 * 5 = 15

Therefore, 2/3 * 3/5 = 6/15

This process works the same when one or both of the fractions are mixed numbers or when one fraction has a whole number in place of a numerator.

Multiplying by a Whole Number

When multiplying a fraction by a whole number, we can represent that whole number as an equivalent fraction over 1.

For example:

16 = 16/1

So to multiply 3/8 * 16, we can rewrite it as:

3/8 * 16/1

Now we can apply the process for multiplying any two fractions:

• Numerators: 3 * 16 = 48
• Denominators: 8 * 1 = 8

Therefore, 3/8 * 16 = 48/8

Which reduces to 6.

Simplifying the Product

Once we multiply the numerators and denominators, we end up with a product fraction that may need to be simplified. Simplifying involves dividing out any common factors between the numerator and denominator.

In this example, 48 and 8 both share a common factor of 8. So we can simplify:

48/8 = 6

By dividing both the numerator and denominator by the common factor.

Checking the Solution

An easy way to double check fraction multiplication is by estimating. 3/8 is close to 1/2. Half of 16 is 8. So our product should be close to 8. 6 seems reasonable compared to the estimate.

We could also enter the original expression into a calculator to verify the product. Doing so confirms that 3/8 * 16 does indeed equal 6.

In summary, multiplying fractions involves multiplying numerators and multiplying denominators. When multiplying by a whole number, represent it as a fraction over 1. Finally, be sure to simplify the product fraction if needed and check your work by estimating or using a calculator.