Multiply the top numbers of each fraction together. This result becomes the new numerator. Example: For , calculate
Multiply the bottom numbers of each fraction together. This result becomes the new denominator. Example: For , calculate
The standard algorithm for multiplying fractions involves three primary steps: how to multiply fractions
: Treat whole numbers as fractions with a denominator of 1 (e.g., ) before following the standard steps.
ab×cd=a×cb×da over b end-fraction cross c over d end-fraction equals the fraction with numerator a cross c and denominator b cross d end-fraction Math Antics - Multiplying Fractions Multiply the top numbers of each fraction together
Reduce the fraction to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). Example: 3153 over 15 end-fraction can be simplified to 15one-fifth by dividing both by 3. Special Cases
: You must convert mixed numbers into improper fractions before multiplying. This result becomes the new denominator
To multiply fractions, you simply multiply the numerators (top numbers) together and the denominators (bottom numbers) together. Unlike addition or subtraction, you do need a common denominator to multiply fractions. The Multi-Step Procedure