Pre-Algebra

How to solve

Multiplying fractions scales one quantity by another: multiply tops with tops and bottoms with bottoms. Canceling shared factors before multiplying keeps numbers small and makes the final simplification obvious.

Steps

  1. Multiply numerators together and denominators together.
  2. Cancel any common factors across numerators and denominators before or after multiplying.
  3. Write the product in lowest terms.

Example

Compute (2/3) × (9/4).

  1. Cancel a factor of 3: 2/1 × 3/4.
  2. Multiply: (2 × 3)/(1 × 4) = 6/4.
  3. Simplify: 6/4 = 3/2.

Answer: 3/2

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