Multiplying Simple Fractions: Problem 1

Rule 11: To multiply two simple fractions, complete the following steps.

1.
Multiply the numerators.
2.
Multiply the denominators.
3.
Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)
a.
Factor the product of the numerators.
b.
Factor the product of the denominators.
c.
Look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

Problem 1: Reduce the fraction tex2html_wrap_inline41 .

Answer. Rewrite the fraction with the numerator and the denominator factored and then locate the fraction within the mix that has a value of 1.

The fraction tex2html_wrap_inline41 can be written as

displaymath45

The fraction tex2html_wrap_inline41 is equivalent to the fraction tex2html_wrap_inline49 .

You can check the problem with your calculator. Calculate 18 divided by 24 and calculate 3 divided by 4. If you are correct, both answers are the same.

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Author: Nancy Marcus

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