How do you multiply fractions Grade 9?

To multiply fractions, you multiply the numerators and the denominators separately. Here's a detailed explanation:

Multiplying Fractions: A Step-by-Step Guide

According to the reference provided, the process for multiplying fractions is straightforward:

1. Multiply the numerators: The numerators are the top numbers of the fractions. Multiply them together to get the numerator of the resulting fraction.
2. Multiply the denominators: The denominators are the bottom numbers of the fractions. Multiply them together to get the denominator of the resulting fraction.

Table Summary

Step	Action	Example
1. Numerator Multiplication	Multiply the top numbers of the fractions.	2/3 1/4: 2 1 = 2
2. Denominator Multiplication	Multiply the bottom numbers of the fractions.	2/3 1/4: 3 4 = 12
3. Resulting Fraction	The result is a new fraction from the outcomes of steps 1 and 2.	2/3 * 1/4 = 2/12

Examples and Practical Insights

• Example 1: Calculate 2/3 multiplied by 1/4.

  • Multiply the numerators: 2 * 1 = 2
  • Multiply the denominators: 3 * 4 = 12
  • Result: The answer is 2/12. This can usually be simplified to 1/6.

• Example 2: Calculate 3/5 multiplied by 2/7.

  • Multiply the numerators: 3 * 2 = 6
  • Multiply the denominators: 5 * 7 = 35
  • Result: The answer is 6/35.

• Practical Insights:

  • There's no need to find a common denominator when multiplying fractions, unlike when adding or subtracting.
  • Always check if the final fraction can be simplified (reduced to lowest terms) by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor.

• Additional Tips:

  • If any of the fractions are mixed numbers (e.g., 1 1/2), convert them to improper fractions before multiplying.
    • Example: 1 1/2 = 3/2

By consistently following these steps, multiplying fractions becomes a straightforward process. This method applies to multiplying any number of fractions together.