Multiplying Simple Fractions: Example 3

Rule 11: To multiply two simple fractions, complete the following steps.

1.

Multiply the numerators.

2.

Multiply the denominators.

3.

Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)
a.
Factor the product of the numerators.
b.
Factor the product of the denominators.
c.
Look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

Example 3: Multiply tex2html_wrap_inline57 .

Answer. Multiply the numerators and the denominators, but leave them in factored form tex2html_wrap_inline59 .

Factor the numerator and denominator and look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

The answer is tex2html_wrap_inline63 .

Now prove to yourself with your calculator that your answer is correct. Calculate the answers to 6 divided by 5 and 10 divided by 36 and multiply the two answers. Now calculate 1 divided by 3. If you are correct, the answers are the same (equivalent) and you have successfully multiplied two simple fractions.

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