How to multiply fractions

Have you ever found yourself staring at a recipe only to realize that it’s calling for ingredients in fraction form, and you need to double the quantities? Or perhaps you’re helping your child with their homework and come across a problem involving multiplying fractions. It can be confusing at first, but understanding the process of multiplying fractions can make a big difference in everyday tasks and academic challenges. In this post, we will break down how to multiply fractions step by step, so you can tackle any fraction-related situation with confidence.

To multiply fractions, simply multiply the numerators (the top numbers) together and the denominators (the bottom numbers) together. Simplify the result if needed.

To multiply fractions, follow these straightforward steps: First, take the two fractions you want to multiply. For instance, if you have \( \frac{2}{3} \) and \( \frac{4}{5} \), start by multiplying the numerators together: \( 2 \times 4 = 8 \). Next, multiply the denominators: \( 3 \times 5 = 15 \). This gives you the new fraction \( \frac{8}{15} \). If the resulting fraction can be simplified (i.e., if the numerator and denominator have a common factor), do so to get the simplest form. In this example, \( \frac{8}{15} \) is already in its simplest form, so your final answer remains \( \frac{8}{15} \). Remember, this process works for all fractions, including improper fractions and mixed numbers, which you should convert to improper fractions before starting!