Multiplying Fractions - Math Is Fun

Home » When Multiplying Fractions Do You Need A Common Denominator » Multiplying Fractions - Math Is Fun

Maybe your like

Math is Fun yVx_d30mjAE Multiplying Fractions

Multiply the tops, multiply the bottoms.

There are 3 simple steps to multiply fractions

  • 1. Multiply the top numbers (the numerators)
  • 2. Multiply the bottom numbers (the denominators)
  • 3. Simplify the fraction if needed

Example:

12 × 25

Step 1. Multiply the top numbers:

12 × 25 = 1 × 2 = 2

Step 2. Multiply the bottom numbers:

12 × 25 = 1 × 22 × 5 = 210

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

210 = 15

With Pizza

Here you can see it with pizza ...

frac multiply 1/2 by 2/5 = 1/5

Do you see that half of two-fifths is two-tenths? Do you also see that two-tenths is simpler as one-fifth?

With Pen and Paper

And here is how to do it with a pen and paper (press the play button):

Another Example:

13 × 916

Step 1. Multiply the top numbers:

13 × 916 = 1 × 9 = 9

Step 2. Multiply the bottom numbers:

13 × 916 = 1 × 93 × 16 = 948

Step 3. Simplify the fraction:

948 = 316

(This time we simplified by dividing both top and bottom by 3)

The Rhyme

♫ "Multiplying fractions: no big problem, Top times top over bottom times bottom. "And don't forget to simplify, Before it's time to say goodbye" ♫

Fractions and Whole Numbers

What about multiplying fractions and whole numbers?

Make the whole number a fraction, by putting it over 1.

Example: 5 is also 51

Then continue as before.

Example:

23 × 5

Make 5 into 51 :

23 × 51

Now just go ahead as normal.

Multiply tops and bottoms:

23 × 51 = 2 × 53 × 1 = 103

The fraction is already as simple as it can be.

Answer = 103

Or you can just think of the whole number as being a "top" number:

Example:

3 × 29

Multiply tops and bottoms:

3 × 29 = 3 × 29 = 69

Simplify:

69 = 23

Mixed Fractions

You can also read how to multiply mixed fractions

1407,437,430, 1408, 1409, 1410, 3569, 3570, 3571, 3572 Introduction to Fractions Simplifying Fractions Equivalent Fractions Adding Fractions Subtracting Fractions Dividing Fractions Fractions Index Copyright © 2025 Rod Pierce

Tag » When Multiplying Fractions Do You Need A Common Denominator