Multiplying Fractions
Multiply fractions in Grade 6 math by multiplying numerators together and denominators together — simplify before or after multiplying and apply to find fractional parts of quantities.
Key Concepts
New Concept When we multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators to find the numerator of the product, and we multiply the denominators to find the denominator of the product. What’s next Next, you’ll work through examples of multiplying simple fractions, whole numbers by fractions, and reducing the resulting products to their simplest form.
Common Questions
How do you multiply two fractions?
Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. For example, two-thirds times three-fourths equals six-twelfths which simplifies to one-half. Always simplify the result to lowest terms.
What does it mean to find a fraction of a number?
Finding a fraction of a number means multiplying. For example, two-thirds of 9 means two-thirds times 9, which equals 18 divided by 3, which equals 6. The word of in math problems signals multiplication.
What is cross-cancellation and how does it help?
Cross-cancellation means simplifying before multiplying by dividing a numerator and a diagonal denominator by their common factor. It keeps numbers small and avoids reducing a large fraction at the end.
How is multiplying fractions different from adding fractions?
When multiplying fractions, you multiply straight across numerator times numerator and denominator times denominator without needing a common denominator. Adding fractions requires finding a common denominator first.