Multiplying Fractions

Unlike when adding or subtracting fractions, you do not have to have common denominators. When multiplying fractions, simply multiply across. For example when multiplying 1/2 by 3/8, just multiply the numerators together, and then put that product over the product of the denominators. This means that 1/2*3/8 = 3/16 because 1*3 = 3, and 2*8 = 16.

To remember the formula for multiplying fractions, remember this little jingle: 

--"Multiplying fractions that's no problem, take the Top times the Top and the Bottom times Bottom."  --

-Common Denominators are necessary for adding and subtracting fractions.

Numerator

Denominator

-Numerators are the top number in a fraction and denominators are the bottom numbers in the fraction.

Finding Common Denominators:

--Find factors that the two numbers have in common

--Try to find the lowest common factors the two have in common (limits steps from reducing the fraction again)

2/4= can be reduced to 1/2 because you can divide 2 and 4 by 2 because it's the lowest common factor of the two digits.

5/10= 1/2 because 5 is half of 10