how do you multiply fractions

Question

6/7 . 1/3

Answer 1

To multiply fractions: multiply numerators (top numbers) then multiply denominators (bottom numbers). Reduce the fraction, if necessary.

 

There is a way to simplify before you multiply the numerators and denominators, so that you don't end up with really large numbers to work with. 

 

Since multiplication and division (what a fraction really is: division) are interchangeable, you MAY exchange horizontally any numerators or denominators: 

example: your 6/7 * 1/3 could become 1/7 * 6/3 if you switch the numerators around. When you do this, can you see that 6/3 = 2, or 2/1? 

So your problem becomes: 1/7 * 2/1 (same as 2), or 2/7!

 

Answer 2

Hi Amber;

FIRST TECHNIQUE...

Multiply the numerators together.  The numerators are on top.

Multiply the denominators together.  These are also known as divisors.

(6/7)(1/3)

[(6)(1)]/[(7)(3)]=6/21

Both the 6 and 21 are divisible by 3...

2/7

SECOND TECHNIQUE...

This does not usually apply to such multiplication.  However, it does herein.  I would like to explain it to you...

(6/7)(1/3)

Note the fact that 6 is on top, the numerator.

Note the fact that 3 is on bottom, the denominator/divisor.

(3)(2)=6

Therefore...

(2/7)(1/1)

2/7