Multiplying and Dividing Fractions - IntoMath

Multiplying and dividing fractions is not difficult.Show more

Knowing how to multiply and divide fractions will help you succeed when other, more complex mathematical concepts, such as simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations and so on.

In order to multiply and divide fractions it is not required to find the GCF, unlike when adding and subtracting them.

Most students find the process of multiplying fractions the easiest of all operations with fractions. All you have to do is multiply numerators and denominators respectively (the product of the numerators over the product of the denominators), recording the final answer as a reduced simplest fraction. In order to reduce a fraction, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCF (greatest common factor).

The process of dividing the two fractions is a bit more complex. But as long as you understand why things are done a certain way everything is really simple.

​In order to divide one fraction by another fraction, find the reciprocal of the second fraction and then change the operation to multiplication. To get the reciprocal of a fraction, just turn it upside down. Switch the numerator and denominator.

More free math help and activities: intomath.org