Math – How Do I Multiply Fractions?

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     Multiplying fractions is generally thought of as being easier than other fraction calculations.

     When you multiply fractions, you multiply the numerators and denominators straight across. 

     For example, if you have ¼ of a chocolate bar that is 2/5 full, what fractional part of the chocolate bar do you have?  The word ‘of’ indicates that it is a multiplication problem.  You would simply multiply.

     1 x 2 = 2      You simply multiply the numerators 1 x 2 = 2

     4    5   20     Then, multiply the denominators 4 x 5 = 20

     When multiplying fractions smaller than 1, the answer is smaller than the fractions you multiplied with.  For example, let’s say you have ½ of a pie and then you take 1/3 of that ½, you would end up with a very small piece.

         1 x 1 = 1      You simply multiply the numerators 1 x 1 = 1

        2    3    6      Then, multiply the denominators 2 x 3 = 6

     We don’t have to find a common denominator when multiplying fractions but we do have to reduce.  In our first example, we can reduce the fraction.

          1 x 2 = 2     

         4    5   20     

     Both 2 and 20 can be divided by 2, so the fraction can be reduced to 1.

                                                                                                                          10

     When you have a fraction multiplied by a whole number, the whole number can be written over 1.

     For example, the whole number 6 can be written as 6.

                                                                                             1

     Any whole number can be written over 1.

     So, 3/5 x 4 would look like this:

    3 x 4 = 12   or 2 and 2/5.

    5    1     5

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Tutorgiant.com provides complete Fractions lessons with worksheets.

See some of the lessons in our video library.

FRACTIONS - Lesson (A) Introduction to Fractions (Grades 1-2)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (B) Fractions of Sets (Grade 3)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (C) Comparing Fractions (Grade 3)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (D) Equivalent (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (E) Equivalent (Numerical) (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (F) Changing Fractions to Decimals (Grades 4-5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (G) Changing Decimals into Fractions (Grades 4-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (H) Comparing (Grade 5)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (H2) Comparing Fractions Using the Bowtie Method (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (I) Adding (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (I2) Adding Fractions Using the Bowtie Method (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (J) Subtracting (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (K) Ordering from Least to Greatest (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (L) Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (M) Comparing Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Gr 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (N) Changing Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (O) Comparing Fractions, Decimals, and Percents (Grades 5-6)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (P) Fractions, Ratios, Decimals, and Percents (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (Q) Adding and Subtracting Using Equivalent Fractions (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (R) Adding Mixed Numbers (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (S) Subtracting Mixed Numbers from Whole Numbers (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (T) Dividing Fractions Using Reciprocals (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (U) Multiplying Mixed Numbers (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (V) Dividing Fractions Using Equivalent Fractions and Common Denominators (7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (W) Fractions and Order of Operations (Grades 7-8)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (Y) Fractions of Fractions (Grade 7)

FRACTIONS - Lesson (Z) Multiplying Fractions (Grades 7-8)

VARIABLES - Lesson (B) Equations with Fractions (Grade 9)

PROBABILITY - Lesson (E) Using Fractions to Describe Probabilities (Grade 4-5)

PROBABILITY - Lesson (J) Comparing Probabilities (Grades 7-8)

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 Learn'Em Good - Fractions and Decimals - by Stuart Ackerman MSc.Ed.,B.A.

Easy to Use Lessons and Worksheets to Help Improve Your Grade 1-8 Child's Fraction and Decimal Skills