Wednesday, Nov. 8 - Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Multiplying

There are 3 simple steps to multiply fractions

1. Multiply the top numbers (the numerators).

2. Multiply the bottom numbers (the denominators).

3. Simplify the fraction if needed.

1/3 × 9/16

1/3 × 9/16  =  1 × 9   =  9 

1/3 × 9/16  =  1 × 9/3 × 16  =  9/48

9/48 = 3/16

Dividing

Step 1. Turn the second fraction (the one you want to divide by) upside down (this is now a reciprocal).

Step 2. Multiply the fraction

Step 3. Simplify the fraction (if needed)

1/2  ÷  1/6

1/6 becomes 6/1

Step 2. Multiply the first fraction by that reciprocal:

(multiply tops ...)

1/2 × 6/1  =  1 × 6/2 × 1  =  6/2

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

6/2  =  3