How to Calculate Fraction Multiplication?

To multiply fractions, you simply multiply the numerators (the top numbers) together and the denominators (the bottom numbers) together.

Steps for Multiplying Fractions

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Multiply the Numerators: Multiply the top numbers of the fractions together. This will be the numerator of your answer.

2. Multiply the Denominators: Multiply the bottom numbers of the fractions together. This will be the denominator of your answer.

3. Simplify (if possible): Reduce the resulting fraction to its simplest form. This means finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it.

Example

Let's say you want to multiply 1/2 by 2/3:

1. Multiply the numerators: 1 * 2 = 2
2. Multiply the denominators: 2 * 3 = 6

So, 1/2 * 2/3 = 2/6

Now, simplify 2/6. The greatest common factor of 2 and 6 is 2. Divide both numerator and denominator by 2:

• 2 / 2 = 1
• 6 / 2 = 3

Therefore, 2/6 simplified is 1/3. So, 1/2 * 2/3 = 1/3.

Simplifying Before Multiplying (Optional, but Recommended)

To make the multiplication and simplification process easier, you can simplify before multiplying. This involves looking for common factors between any numerator and any denominator in the fractions being multiplied. If you find a common factor, divide both the numerator and the denominator by that factor. This is also shown in the reference video.

Example (using the previous problem):

1/2 * 2/3

Notice that the numerator of the second fraction (2) and the denominator of the first fraction (2) are both divisible by 2. Divide both of those by 2.

• 1/2 becomes 1/1 (after dividing the denominator by 2)
• 2/3 becomes 1/3 (after dividing the numerator by 2)

Now multiply: 1/1 * 1/3 = 1/3

As you can see, this method arrives at the same answer, often with smaller numbers to work with, making the multiplication and final simplification easier.