Multiplying Fractions
To multiply fractions, you simply multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. To multiply fractions, follow this formula: (a/b) × (c/d) = (a×c)/(b×d).
The process is straightforward. First, multiply the numbers on top (numerators). Then, multiply the numbers on the bottom (denominators). The result is your answer, though you may need to simplify it to lowest terms by finding common factors between the numerator and denominator.
- For example, let's multiply 2/3 × 4/5:
2/3 × 4/5 = (2×4)/(3×5) = 8/15 - Another example is 3/4 × 1/6:
3/4 × 1/6 = (3×1)/(4×6) = 3/24 = 1/8 (after simplifying)
When one of the terms is a mixed number, you need to convert it to an improper fraction first. A mixed number has a whole number and a fraction, like 2¾. To convert it to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and keep the same denominator.
- For example, to multiply 3/5 × 2¾:
First, convert 2¾ to an improper fraction: 2¾ = (2×4+3)/4 = 11/4
Then multiply: 3/5 × 11/4 = (3×11)/(5×4) = 33/20 = 1 13/20
Remember that when multiplying fractions, unlike addition and subtraction, you don't need to find a common denominator. This makes multiplication with fractions relatively simple compared to other operations.