Multiplying Simple Fractions: Problem 7

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 7: Multiply tex2html_wrap_inline66 and reduce the answer.

Answer. Multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators, but leave them in factored form tex2html_wrap_inline68 .

Then reduce the fraction by factoring the numerator and the denominator and located the fraction within the mix that has a value of 1. The fraction tex2html_wrap_inline70 can be written as

This can be reduced further to

The fraction tex2html_wrap_inline76 cannot be reduced further because the numerator and denominator do not share any common factors. Therefore the answer is

By now you know how to check the answer with your calculator. Calculate140 divided by 260 and 3000 divided by 310 and multiply the answers. Now calculate 2100 divided by 403. If the answers are the same, you have successfully worked this problem.

[Previous Problem] [Menu Back]

S.O.S MATHematics home page

Do you need more help? Please post your question on our S.O.S. Mathematics CyberBoard.

Author: Nancy Marcus