Multiplying Fractions- How is it Done?

The term “fraction” is derived from the Latin word fractus which means “broken.” Fractions are numbers that represent part of the whole. They are used for counting part of something. It is a quantity that cannot be represented by a whole number.  A fraction can be recognized by a slash (/) which is written between numbers. There is a top number and a bottom number. The top number is called numerator, and the bottom one is called denominator. For example, 2/3 is a fraction. Here, 2 is the numerator, and 3 is the denominator. Multiplying fractions are easy as compared to dividing them.

Just like the whole numbers, fractions also obey distributive, associative and communicative laws. Fractions also follow rule against division by zero. Fractions have four operations mainly- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division Fractions can also be compared and converted.

Here we learn how to multiply fractions. The following steps are used to multiply fractions.
1. Simplify - the first step is to simplify the fractions into their lowest forms. Simplify the fractions if not in lowest terms.
2. Multiplying the numerators- once the fractions are in there lowest form, multiply the numerators to get a new numerator that is there product.
3. Multiply the denominators- now multiply the denominators to get a new denominator.
4. Simplify again- try to simplify the resulting fraction if it is possible to find the final answer.
For example- Solve- 2/3 x 4/5

First, we simplify them but in this case, the numbers are already in there simplest form, so we move on to the next step.
By multiplying the numerators, we get  2x4=8
By multiplying the denominators, we get  3x5=15
So the resulting fraction is = 8/15
This is resulting fraction already in its simplest form, so the answer is 9/15.
Fractions are of various types. Some of them are-
• Proper fractions- these are also called common fractions. This fraction is smaller than one but greater than 0.
• Improper fractions- this kind of fraction is greater than 1. Here the numerator (top number) is greater than the denominator (bottom number)
• Mixed fraction- mixed fractions are those where a whole number is written as a fraction. 
• Decimal fraction- These are made of a decimal fraction and a whole number. When the numerator is divided by the denominator, it results in decimal fractions. 
• Equivalent fractions- these fractions have the same value. The value of the equivalent fractions is same as one another.

Math Solver

Some problems require you to do several steps to get the solutions. Such problems also involve fractions. Some problems require more operations than one. Fractions involve all the four operations depending upon the question. To master mathematics, one has to master fractions as they are present in every aspect. From algebra to engineering to calculus to other related fields like physics etc. fractions appear everywhere. They can be easily understood by taking the right approach. In any topic of mathematics, practice is very important. Fractions also require a lot of practice. They are easy to understand. Once you grasp the concept and logic of multiplying fractions, then they are very easy for you to solve.