Multiplying Fractions
multiplying_fractions_study_guide.docx |
Multiplying Fractions is Easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Look to see if you can cross-cancel anywhere.
- Cross canceling is when you simplify/reduce any top with any bottom (Remember-you can’t have two tops with no bottom or two bottoms with no top; it’s like getting dressed in the morning)
- Then multiply numerator x numerator
- Finally multiply denominator x denominator
- Is my answer proper? (If it’s improper, change it to a mixed number)
- Is my answer in lowest terms?
Multiplying Mixed Numbers is Easy as 1, 2, 3,…4?!
- Change the mixed number to an improper fraction
- Cross cancel if you can.
- Numerator x Numerator
- Denominator x Denominator …then simplify
Fractions of a Whole
When you are multiplying two fractions, like ½ x ¾, you are really finding ½ of ¾. The word “of” means multiplication when it comes to fractions and vice versa.
So when a question asks for ¾ of 20, you can re-write that problem as ¾ x 20 (remember- when multiplying whole numbers, since they don’t have a denominator, you must give them 1-literally!)
When you are multiplying two fractions, like ½ x ¾, you are really finding ½ of ¾. The word “of” means multiplication when it comes to fractions and vice versa.
So when a question asks for ¾ of 20, you can re-write that problem as ¾ x 20 (remember- when multiplying whole numbers, since they don’t have a denominator, you must give them 1-literally!)