Multiplication of Fractions

Multiplication of Fractions

You may multiply fractions two ways:

The first way given is the preferred way for multiplying fractions. The steps are as follows:

1. Change all mixed numbers to improper fractions.
2. Reduce (reduce numerator and denominator or cross reduce numerator and denominator).
3. Multiply straight across. That is, multiply numerator with numerator and denominator with denominator.

Example 1.

Solution:

Changing the mixed number to an improper fraction, we have:

Now we look to reduce. I am going to cross reduce the 12 and 10. Then I will cross reduce the 14 and 7.

Then multiplying straight across we have:

The other method for multiplying fractions is to reverse steps 2 and 3:

1. Change all mixed numbers to improper fractions.
2. Multiply straight across.
3. Reduce.

Using the above example:

Example 2:

Solution:

Changing the mixed numbers to improper fractions, we have:

Now we look to reduce. I am going to cross reduce the 16 and 8. Then I will cross reduce the 5 and 15.

Then multiplying straight across we have:

To practice multiplying fractions, go to the Multiplication of Fractions Worksheet.

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Ocean County College - MATH 011