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How to Multiply Fractions




Today, we’re going to learn about how to multiply fractions. This might seem tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll see it’s quite straightforward. Let’s dive in!

Steps to Multiply Fractions

Multiplying fractions is simpler than adding or subtracting fractions because you don’t need to find a common denominator. Here are the steps:

  1. Multiply the numerators (the top numbers) of the fractions together to get the new numerator.
  2. Multiply the denominators (the bottom numbers) of the fractions together to get the new denominator.
  3. If necessary, simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor.

Example 1:

Let’s multiply 1⁄4 by 2⁄3.

  1. Multiply the numerators: 1 × 2 = 2.
  2. Multiply the denominators: 4 × 3 = 12.
  3. Put them together: 2⁄12. This can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 2, the greatest common factor. So, 2⁄12 simplifies to 1⁄6.

Therefore, 1⁄4 × 2⁄3 = 1⁄6.

Example 2:

Now let’s try with larger numbers: 3⁄5 × 7⁄2.

  1. Multiply the numerators: 3 × 7 = 21.
  2. Multiply the denominators: 5 × 2 = 10.
  3. Put them together: 21⁄10. This fraction is improper because the numerator is larger than the denominator. We can convert it to a mixed number by dividing 21 by 10, which is 2 with a remainder of 1. So, our fraction is 2 1⁄10.

Therefore, 3⁄5 × 7⁄2 = 2 1⁄10.

Potential Questions from Learners:

  • Q: What if the fractions have whole numbers with them?
  • A: Great question! When a fraction has a whole number, like 3 1⁄2, you turn the whole number into a fraction by giving it a denominator of 1, making it 3/1. Then, you multiply as usual.
  • Q: Do I always need to simplify the fraction at the end?
  • A: Yes, simplifying the fraction is important because it gives you the fraction in its simplest form, which is easier to understand and use.

Practice Problems:

Try these problems on your own. After you’ve given them a go, check the solutions below!

  1. 4⁄9 × 3⁄4
  2. 5⁄8 × 2⁄7
  3. 2 1⁄3 × 3⁄4
  4. 7⁄10 × 5

Solutions:

  1. 4⁄9 × 3⁄4 = 12⁄36. Simplified: 1⁄3.
  2. 5⁄8 × 2⁄7 = 10⁄56. Simplified: 5⁄28.
  3. First, convert the mixed number: 2 1⁄3 = 7⁄3. Now multiply: 7⁄3 × 3⁄4 = 21⁄12. Simplified: 1 3⁄4.
  4. Convert the whole number to a fraction: 5 = 5⁄1. Now multiply: 7⁄10 × 5⁄1 = 35⁄10. Simplified: 3 1⁄2.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep working on these until you feel comfortable, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any. Happy multiplying!

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