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Multiplying Fractions

A whole number and a fraction, or two or more fractions, can be multiplied together. Whole numbers and fractions must be changed to all fractions, with no whole numbers, in order to multiply.



There are three steps to multiplying fractions:

  1. Multiply the top numbers (numerators) by each other.
  2. Multiply the bottom numbers (denominators) by each other.
  3. Simplify the fraction (if possible).

Example 1

Now, let's work through the example below. The questions below will guide you through the process.

Multiply 3 × one fourth=?

Is the following a correct representation of the multiplication operation above: three over one×one fourth=?



The correct answer is: Yes.

Multiply the top numbers (numerators) 3 × 1=?



The correct answer is: 3

Any number multiplied by 1 equals itself.

Multiply the bottom numbers (denominators) 1 × 4





The correct answer is: 4

As above, any number multiplied by 1 equals itself.

Can three fourths be simplified?



The correct answer is No.

Because the bottom number (denominator) is larger than the top number (nominator), the fraction cannot be simplified to a whole number with a fraction remainder.

 

Practice

Multiply five sevenths × eight fourths

five fourths



ten sevenths

Select the correct answer.