Multiplying Fractions

3/5

In the fraction above, the top number is called the numerator

The bottom number is called the denominator

These are important terms to remember because you will hear them a lot when multiplying and dividing fractions.

The first step in multiplying fractions is to multiply the two numerators

For example, you would multiply 2x2 to get 4 as your new numerator

Next, you multiply both denominators, 3x5, to get 15 as your new denominator

Your new fraction should now be 4/15

Sometimes when you multiply fractions the answer you get will not be in simplest form.

It is your job to simplify the fraction.

Ex: 6/24=1/4

The student knew that you could divide both 6 and 24 by 6.

That's how you simplify a fraction.

When simplifying fractions you have to find the greatest common factor

That means the largest number that you can divide both the numerator and denominator by.

You can divide both 2 and 4 by 2

 $2\div2=1$   $4\div2=2$  

That is how you get 1/2