| Chapter 3 Fractions, Part 1 3-5 Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers You've probably thought that addition is simpler than multiplication. It usually is ... for whole numbers and integers. Not for fractions. You will find that multiplication of fractions is a lot simpler than adding and subtracting them. So let's do the easier stuff first. 3-5.1 Multiplying Proper Fractions Procedure To multiply proper fractions: - Multiply the numerators to get the numerator for the product.
- Multiply the denominators to get the denominator for the product.
- Reduce or simplfy the result as necessary.
|  | | Example 1/2 x 3/4 = ? | Problem | | 1/2 x 3/4 = ? | - Multiply the numerators.
| 1/2 x 3/4 = 3/? | | - Multiply the denominators.
| 1/2 x 3/4 = 3/8 | | | Solution | | 1/2 x 3/4 = 3/8 | Example 1/2 x 2/3 = ? | Problem | | 1/2 x 2/3 = ? | - Multiply the numerators.
| 1/2 x 2/3 = 2/? | | - Multiply the denominators.
| 1/2 x 2/3 = 2/6 | | - Reduce or simplfy the result as necessary.
| 2/6 = 1/3 | | | Solution | | 1/2 x 2/3 = 1/3 | Examples and Exercises Use these interactive examples and exercises to strengthen your understanding and build your skills: Complete the multiplication and reduce the result if necessary. | | 3-5.2 Multiplying Mixed Numbers Procedure To multiply mixed numbers: - Convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions.
- Multiply the numerators and denominators.
- Reduce or simplfy the result as necessary.
| Example 3/8 x 5 = ? | Problem | | 3/8 x 5 = ? | - Convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions.
| 3/8 x 5 = 3/8 x 5/1 | | - Multiply the numerators.
| 3/8 x 5/1 = 15/? | | - Multiply the denominators.
| 3/8 x 5/1 = 15/8 | | - Reduce or simplfy the result as necessary.
| 15/8 = 1 7/8 | | | Solution | | 3/8 x 5 = 1 7/8 | Example 5 1/2 x 3 3/4 = ? | Problem | | 5 1/2 x 3 3/4 = | - Convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions.
| 5 1/2 x 3 3/4 = 11/2 x 3 3/4 5 1/2 x 3 3/4 = 11/2 x 15/4 | | - Multiply the numerators.
| 11/2 x 15/4 = 165/? | | - Multiply the denominators.
| 11/2 x 15/4 = 165/8 | | - Reduce or simplfy the result as necessary.
| 165/8 = 20 5/8 | | | Solution | | 5 1/2 x 3 3/4 = 20 5/8 | Examples and Exercises Use these interactive examples and exercises to strengthen your understanding and build your skills: Complete the multiplication and reduce the result if necessary. | |
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