math - Robin, Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 5:50pm
my text book is confusing and complicated and I don't have anyone I can ask for help right now. all I want is to know how to multiply fractions like 1x2 1
4 3
You don't show a fraction to multiply.
To multiply fractions you simply multiply the numerators and the denominators separately. It may be necessary to reduce the answer to lower terms. Example.
1/2 x 3/4 = 3/8
explanation: numerator is 1 x 3 = 3.
denominator is 2 x 4 = 8
Another example:
3/4 x 3/8 = 9/32.
explanation:
numerator is 3 x 3 = 9
denominator is 4 x 8 = 32
Final example:
2/3 x 5/6 = 10/18 = 5/9 when reduced to lowest terms.
explanation:
numerator is 2 x 5 =10.
denominator is 3x6=18
answer is 10/18 but that fraction can be reduced by dividing both numerator and denominator by 2.
10/2 = 5 for numerator.
18/2 = 9 for the denominator.
Answer is 5/9
I hope this helps.