Multiplying fractions is one of the easiest fraction operations! Just multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Below, you’ll find detailed explanations, examples, and a calculator to practice with.
Multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators, and simplify the result—that’s all there is to it!
Multiplying fractions is a key skill in math, cooking, DIY projects, and many other areas of life.
Multiplying fractions involves combining two fractions by multiplying their respective parts. It’s one of the simplest fraction operations because it doesn’t require a common denominator.
Formula for multiplying fractions:
\( \huge \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a \times c}{b \times d} \)
Where:
Think of fraction multiplication like this:
Multiplying \( \large \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{3} \) means taking half of a third, which is \( \large \frac{1}{6} \) of the whole.
\( \large \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 1}{2 \times 3} = \frac{1}{6} \)
The result of multiplying fractions is usually smaller than either fraction, unlike multiplying whole numbers.
Write the fractions side by side with a multiplication sign between them
Multiply the numerators together (top numbers)
Multiply the denominators together (bottom numbers)
Write the new fraction using the multiplied numerator and denominator
Simplify the result if possible, or convert it to a mixed number
Example 1: Simple Fraction Multiplication
Example 2: Simplifying Before Multiplying
Example 3: Multiplying with a Mixed Number
Simplify Early
Simplifying before multiplying is easier than simplifying afterward. Look for numbers that can be canceled "crosswise."
Multiplying by Whole Numbers
Treat a whole number as a fraction with a denominator of 1, e.g., \( \large 5 = \frac{5}{1} \).
Visualize Multiplication
Picture a fraction as part of a rectangle. Multiplying fractions means finding a part of a part.
Convert Mixed Numbers
Always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying.
Don’t add numerators and denominators!
Wrong: \( \large \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2+1}{3+4} = \frac{3}{7} \) ❌
Right: \( \large \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2 \times 1}{3 \times 4} = \frac{2}{12} = \frac{1}{6} \) ✓
Multiplying Only Numerators
Remember to multiply both numerators and denominators.
Forgetting to Simplify
Always check if the result can be simplified by finding a common factor.
Incorrect Mixed Number Conversion
To convert \( \large 2\frac{3}{4} \) to an improper fraction, calculate \( 2 \times 4 + 3 = 11 \), so \( \large \frac{11}{4} \).
Improper Simplification
You can only simplify a numerator with a denominator, not numerators or denominators with each other.
Exercise 1: Multiply Fractions
Exercise 2: Multiply and Simplify
Exercise 3: Multiply with Mixed Numbers
Practice with our calculator to sharpen your fraction multiplication skills!
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