Learn How to Multiply Fractions

Are you ready to learn how to multiply fractions? Multiplying fractions is one of the easier operations when working with fractions.

Yes, it's true! There's no worrying about finding a common denominator, you just have to know your multiplication facts!

Now, you will need to know how to simplify fractions, but we'll get to that in a minute.


Multiplying Fractions in 3 Easy Steps

Step 1: Multiply the numerators.
Step 2: Multiply the denominators.
Step 3: Simplify the fraction if needed.


Let's check it out.


Example 1 - Multiplying proper fractions

In this example, we will multiply two very simple proper fractions and apply the 3 steps above.


Multiplying two fractions


This method works pretty well if the numerator and denominators of your fractions are relatively small.

When you start working with larger numbers in the numerator and denominator, then we can simplify within the problem before multiplying and this allow us to not have simplify larger numbers in the end.

Here's what I mean, take a look....

Example 2 - Two Different Methods

There are two methods for Example 2. The first problem, we will multiply the fractions following the steps above.

In the second problem (which is exactly the same), we will simplify within the problem first, and then multiply.

Method 1 - Simplifying Last

Multiplying Fractions

Method 2 - Simplifying First

Multiplying fractions and simplifying within the problem


Now let's take a look at one more example where the numerator and denominator that have a common factor are not contained in the same fraction. Remember, the process is the same!

Example 3 - Simplifying Twice Within a Problem

Pay careful attention to the first and second steps when multiplying this set of fractions.

Multiplying fractions and simplifying within the problem

Since simplifying within the problem can be a little more confusing, take a look at this example on the video for a step-by-step explanation.


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