Key Concepts

Multiply or divide mixed numbers.
1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
2. Follow the rules for fraction multiplication or division.
3. Simplify if possible.
Simplify a complex fraction.
1. Rewrite the complex fraction as a division problem.
2. Follow the rules for dividing fractions.
3. Simplify if possible.
Placement of negative sign in a fraction.
- For any positive numbers [latex]a[/latex] and [latex]b[/latex] , [latex]{\Large\frac{-a}{b}}={\Large\frac{a}{-b}}={\Large-\frac{a}{b}}[/latex]
Simplify an expression with a fraction bar.
1. Simplify the numerator.
2. Simplify the denominator.
3. Simplify the fraction.

Glossary

complex fraction: A complex fraction is a fraction in which the numerator or the denominator contains a fraction.