multfractions

Multiplying Fractions

You do not need common denominators to multiply fractions. When multiplying fractions is it best to
     1.   First rewrite all mixed numbers as improper fractions.
           EXAMPLE: 2 3/4 x 8/9 =
              2 3/4 is an improper fraction. 2 is the whole number part, 3 is the numerator
               and 4 is the denominator. To write a mixed number as an improper fraction you
               multiply the denominator 4 times the whole number 2 and add the numerator to
               get the numerator of our equivalent improper fraction. 2 3/4 = 11/4
               2 3/4 x 8/9 = 11/4 x 8/9
     2. Next if you can find a number that will divide evenly into any numerator and
         denominator you may cross reduce the fractions.
             In our example 2 divides evenly into 4, the denominator of the first fraction
             and evenly into 8, the numerator of the second fraction.
              4       2 = 2    and 8      2 = 4    Therefore we can reduce and get

                 2 3/4 x 8/9 = 11/4 x 8/9
                                   = 11/2 x 4/9
    3. Next multiply numerators times numerators and denominators times denominators.
              In our example we will multiply 11 times 4, our two numerators and we well
              multiply 2 times 9, our two denominators.

                 2 3/4 x 8/9 = 11/4 x 8/9
                                      = 11/2 x 4/9
                                      = 44/18

    4. If our answer is an improper fraction (the numerators is larger than the denominator)
         then we can rewrite it as a mixed number.
            In our example the answer is 44/18 an improper fraction. In order to write an
            improper fraction as a mixed number we will divide the numerator 44 by the
            denominator 18.
                 44     18 = 2 and 8 remainder
                 In the mixed fraction the 2 becomes our whole number and the remainder 8
                 becomes our new numerator. If possible reduce the fraction part.
                 44/18 = 2   8/ 18 = 2 4/9

               Therefore:
                      2 3/4 x 8/9 = 11/4 x 8/9
                                        = 11/2 x 4/9
                                        = 44/18
                                        =   2 8/18
                                        =   2 4/9


                               Go to the QUIA site below to practice multiplying mixed numbers.
                               Use your pencil, paper and calculator to help you find the answer to
                               each problem. This is a great way to review your quiz.
                               Multiplying Mixed Numbers Review

                              Go to the FUNBRAIN site. Click on the QUIZ LAB link and enter
                               our secret word math 01 (don't forget the space between the h and
                               0) and your first and last name. Take the quiz
                              Multiplying and Dividing Fractions