Multiplying Fractions

  Of all the operations involving fractions, multiplying is probably the easiest.

All you need to do is to change any mixed numbers into improper fractions, multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators and then simplify the result.

Lets look at an example: ½ x ¼

Multiplying Fractions

 

Lets try another:    Multiplying Fractions

Change mixed numbers into improper fractions    Multipying Fractions

Multiply the numerators and denominators   Multi[ly Fractions

And simplify     Multiplying Fractions

 

When multiplying, you can simplify before calculating if any numerator and denominator have common factors

Multiplying FractionsThe 5 and 10 have a common factor of 5, divide both by 5 Multipying Fractions

Multiply FractionsThe 2 and 32 have a common factor of 2, divide both by 2 Multiply fractions

  Now the 16 and the 2 have a common factor of 2, divide by 2

Multiplying Farctions

This method of simplifying the fractions before doing any calculations can greatly reduce the time and effort required and you will find that most questions can be simplified first. Look at another example:

Multiplying Fractions

Change mixed numbers into improper fractions  Multiplying Fractions

Simplify (cancel out) 15 and 9 by dividing by 3    Multiplying Fractions

Simplify (cancel out) 24 and 8 by dividing by 8   Multiplying Fractions

Simplify (cancel out) 3 and 3 by dividing by 3 Multiplying Fractions

Multiply the numerators and denominators    Multiply Fractions

This method is worth persevering with as once your child gets the hang of it, it can really speed up calculations and save time in the exam.

Try this Fraction Multiplication Worksheet

and

Multiplying Fractions Quiz
from Dr. Mike


Subtracting Fractions  Dividing Fractions  title=











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