Skip Navigation Links

Home > Math > Algebra 1

 Ask Questions!
How do you multiply fractions
by kathy
how do you multiply fractions
Rate This Question!
Responses
Every fraction has two components numerator and denominator. There are two methods of multiplication of fraction.
Method 1
1. Multiply the numerators of the given fractions.
2. Multiply the denominators of the given fractions.
3. Reduce the resulting fraction,if possible to lowest terms.

Ex:

4/12 * 3/6
= (4*3)/(12*6) = 12/72
= 1/6

Method 2
1. Factor any polynomial that is not monomial.
2. Use cancellation to divide a numerator and denominator by each common factor.
3. Multiply the resulting numerators and the resulting denominators to write the product in lowest terms.

Ex:
(5x^3/3y^5) * (6x^5/4y^3)
= (5*6*x^3*x^5)/(3*4*y^5*y^3)
= (30*x^8)/(12*y^8)
= (5*x^8)/(2*y^8)
= 5x^8/2y^8


Multiplying Fractions
by Winpossible
Aug 31, 10 10:27AM PST
Reply to this response
 
 
 Copyright © Winpossible, 2010 - 2011
Best viewed in 1024x768 & IE 5.0 or later version