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