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.