Multiply Fractions

Method

Multiplying Fractions

The product of two fractions is equal to the product of the numerators divided by the product of the denominators. The resulting fraction is then simplified to its lowest terms, if possible.

a/b * c/d = a * c/b * d

Here, b and d are not 0. When multiplying fractions, it makes no difference whether they are like or unlike fractions. Consider multiplying 56 by 34. 5/6 * 3/4 The result of this multiplication can be found in three steps.

1
Multiply the Numerators
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The numerator of the first fraction is 5 and the numerator of the second is 3. The product of the numerators is then 15.

5/6 * 3/4
5 * 3/6 * 4
15/6 * 4

2
Multiply the Denominators
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The product of the denominators is 6 * 4 = 24.

15/6 * 4
15/24

3
Simplify if Possible
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Note that 3 is the greatest common factor of 15 and 24. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by 3 to simplify the fraction.

15/24
15/3/24/ 3
5/8

Therefore, the product of 56 and 34 simplified to its lowest terms is 58.

Exercises
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