2.3.d – Summary: Multiplying and Dividing Mixed Numbers and Complex Fractions

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.