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Math: Basic Tutorials : Multiplying Fractions
Multiplying Fractions
Multiplying fractions might look intimidating, but knowing how to go about it makes it a lot easier. This section goes step-by-step through the process of multiplying two fractions.
Examples
Examples
Click on the titles below to view each example.
Line 1: Multiply the following fractions and write your answer in simplified form: negative 5 over 8 times 2 over 3
Line 2: Multiply the numerators together, so the numerator is negative 5 times 2. Then multiply the denominators
together, so the denominator is 8 times 3. Note the signs of the fractions are opposite so the product will be negative.Line 3. Simplify the numerator and denominator, so the fraction is negative 10 over 24.
Line 4: Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. Rewrite the fraction showing the common factor of 2, so the numerator is written as negative 5 times 2 and the denominator is written as 12 times 2.
Line 5: Remove the common factor of 2 in the numerator and denominator so the final simplified fraction is negative 5 over 12.
Line 1: Multiply the following fractions and write the answer in simplified form: 3 and 1 over 3 times 5 over 8.
Line 2: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction so the problem is written as 10 over 3 times 5 over 8.
Line 2: Multiply the numerators together, so the numerator is 10 times 5. Then multiply the denominators together, so the denominator is 3 times 8.
Line 4: Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. Rewrite the fraction showing the common factor of 2, so the numerator is written as negative 2 times 5 times 5 and the denominator is written as 3 times 2 times 4.
Line 5: Remove the common factor of 2 in the numerator and denominator, and multiply the remaining factors, so the final simplified fraction is 25 over 12.
Summary and Worksheet
- Summary: Multiplying Fractions - PDF - Opens in a new windowThis document contains a short (1 – 2 page) summary of this topic as well as detailed examples to illustrate key concepts. Use this summary to review this topic.
- Worksheet: Multiplying Fractions - PDF - Opens in a new windowThis document contains practice questions on this topic. Use the worksheet to test your knowledge and practice the skills learned in this module. The answers to the practice questions are provided at the end.
Attribution
Exmaples Source: "Prealgebra - opens in a new window" by Lynn Marecek & Mary Anne Anthony-Smith is licensed under CC BY 4.0 - opens in a new window / A derivative from the original work - opens in a new window