Converting whole numbers to fractions

Today we will see how to convert a whole number to a fraction. It’s easy and we have prepared a few examples.

Content:

• Converting a whole number to a fraction
  • Example 1
  • Example 2
• Converting a whole number to a fraction with a specific denominator
  • Example 3
  • Example 4
• Video
• References

Converting a whole number to a fraction

The easiest way to convert a whole number to a fraction is by putting 1 as the denominator. In other words, to convert a whole number to a fraction, write the whole number as the numerator of a fraction with denominator 1. Let’s take a look at 2 examples.

1) Convert 4 to a fraction

We can rewrite 4 as a fraction by putting 1 as the denominator.

The resulting fraction is ⁴/₁. We can see a fraction as a division, so ⁴/₁ is the same as 4÷1, or 4.

2) Convert 9 to a fraction

We can easily convert 9 to a fraction by putting 1 as the denominator.

The resulting fraction is ⁹/₁. Recall that a fraction is also a division, so ⁹/₁ is the same as 9÷1, or 9.

Converting a whole number to a fraction with a specific denominator

To convert a whole number to a fraction with a specific denominator, we multiply the whole number by the denominator, and then, we divide the product by the denominator. It’s easier than you think.

3) Convert 3 to a fraction with denominator 5

First, we multiply 3 by 5, and then, we divide this product by 5.

Therefore, 3 is equivalent to ¹⁵/₅.

4) Convert 7 to a fraction that has a denominator of 8

First, we multiply 7 by 8, and finally, we divide this product by 8.

In that way, 7 is equivalent to the fraction ⁵⁶/₈. In this example, we have multiplied the whole number 7 by the fraction ⁸/₈, which is equivalent to 1. When we multiplied 7 by 1, we didn’t change its value, because the product of any number and 1 is that number.

Video

In the following video, I will show more examples of how to rewrite a whole number as a fraction.

References

For this lesson, we have used these books:

• OpenStax (2020). Prealgebra 2e (p. 304). Rice University.
• Baldor, A. (2017). Aritmética (3.ª ed.; pp. 242-243). Grupo Editorial Patria.