Learning Outcomes
- Multiply two or more fractions
- Multiply a fraction by a whole number
A model may help you understand multiplication of fractions. We will use fraction tiles to model [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{3}{4}[/latex]. To multiply [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}[/latex] and [latex]\Large\frac{3}{4}[/latex], think [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}[/latex] of [latex]\Large\frac{3}{4}[/latex].
Start with fraction tiles for three-fourths. To find one-half of three-fourths, we need to divide them into two equal groups. Since we cannot divide the three [latex]\Large\frac{1}{4}[/latex] tiles evenly into two parts, we exchange them for smaller tiles.
We see [latex]\Large\frac{6}{8}[/latex] is equivalent to [latex]\Large\frac{3}{4}[/latex]. Taking half of the six [latex]\Large\frac{1}{8}[/latex] tiles gives us three [latex]\Large\frac{1}{8}[/latex] tiles, which is [latex]\Large\frac{3}{8}[/latex].
Therefore,
[latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{3}{4}=\frac{3}{8}[/latex]
Example
Use a diagram to model [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{3}{4}[/latex]
Solution:
First shade in [latex]\Large\frac{3}{4}[/latex] of the rectangle.
We will take [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}[/latex] of this [latex]\Large\frac{3}{4}[/latex], so we heavily shade [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}[/latex] of the shaded region.
Notice that [latex]3[/latex] out of the [latex]8[/latex] pieces are heavily shaded. This means that [latex]\Large\frac{3}{8}[/latex] of the rectangle is heavily shaded.
Therefore, [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}[/latex] of [latex]\Large\frac{3}{4}[/latex] is [latex]\Large\frac{3}{8}[/latex], or [latex]{\Large\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{3}{4}}={\Large\frac{3}{8}}[/latex].
Look at the result we got from the model in the example above. We found that [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{3}{4}=\frac{3}{8}[/latex]. Do you notice that we could have gotten the same answer by multiplying the numerators and multiplying the denominators?
[latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{3}{4}[/latex] | |
Multiply the numerators, and multiply the denominators. | [latex]\Large\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{3}{4}[/latex] |
Simplify. | [latex]\Large\frac{3}{8}[/latex] |
This leads to the definition of fraction multiplication. To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. Then we write the fraction in simplified form.
Fraction Multiplication
If [latex]a,b,c,\text{ and }d[/latex] are numbers where [latex]b\ne 0\text{ and }d\ne 0[/latex], then
[latex]\Large\frac{a}{b}\cdot \frac{c}{d}=\frac{ac}{bd}[/latex]
Example
Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: [latex]\Large\frac{3}{4}\cdot \frac{1}{5}[/latex]
Try It
The following video provides more examples of how to multiply fractions, and simplify the result.
To multiply more than two fractions, we have a similar definition. We still multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. Then we write the fraction in simplified form.
Multiplying More Than Two Fractions
If [latex]a,b,c,d,e \text{ and }f[/latex] are numbers where [latex]b\ne 0,d\ne 0\text{ and }f\ne 0[/latex], then
[latex]\Large\frac{a}{b}\cdot\Large\frac{c}{d}\cdot\Large\frac{e}{f}=\Large\frac{a\cdot c\cdot e}{b\cdot d\cdot f}[/latex]
Think About It
Multiply [latex]\Large\frac{2}{3}\cdot\Large\frac{1}{4}\cdot\Large\frac{3}{5}[/latex]. Simplify the answer.
What makes this example different than the previous ones? Use the box below to write down a few thoughts about how you would multiply three fractions together.
When multiplying fractions, the properties of positive and negative numbers still apply. It is a good idea to determine the sign of the product as the first step. In the next example, we will multiply two negatives, so the product will be positive.
Example
Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: [latex]\Large-\frac{5}{8}\left(-\frac{2}{3}\right)[/latex]
Try it
Example
Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: [latex]\Large-\frac{14}{15}\cdot \frac{20}{21}[/latex]
Try it
The following video shows another example of multiplying fractions that are negative.
When multiplying a fraction by a whole number, it may be helpful to write the whole number as a fraction. Any whole number, [latex]a[/latex], can be written as [latex]\Large\frac{a}{1}[/latex]. So, [latex]3=\Large\frac{3}{1}[/latex], for example.
example
Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form:
- [latex]\Large{\frac{1}{7}}\normalsize\cdot 56[/latex]
- [latex]\Large{\frac{12}{5}}\normalsize\left(-20x\right)[/latex]
Try it
Watch the following video to see more examples of how to multiply a fraction and a whole number.