How to Multiply two Fractions

These are the steps to be taken to multiply two fractions together:

  • Convert both fractions to improper fractions (if necessary)
  • Multiply numerator by numerator, and denominator by denominator
  • Reduce the fraction to its lowest terms.

For example, to multiply the following fractions :

 1  2
3
x
 2  3
4

(One and Two-Thirds x Two and Three Quarters)

Step 1: Convert both fractions to Improper (vulgar) Fractions, by multiplying the whole numbers by their respective denominators and adding to the numerator: 

=
  (1 x 3) + 2
3
x
  (2 x 4) + 3
4
=
  5
3
x
  11
4

Step 2: Multiply Numerator by Numerator and Denominator by Denominator  

=
  5 x 11
3 x 4
=
  55
12

Step 3: Check whether the fractions can be reduced to simpler forms and improper fractions 

=
  55
12
=
  (4 x 12) + 7
12
=
 4  7
12

Try this for yourself on our Fraction Arithmetic Calculator