Knowing do basic math functions on fractions is a tricky business. The key is learning arrange the fractions in the right way. The easiest way to remember multiply two fractions is to learn this little trick.
Instructions
1. Learn this math solution by using a little bit of word play. When multiplying two fractions together, extend the last part of the word “multiply” into “multipline,” as in “multiply” in a “line.”
2. Keep the two fractions in line with each other.
3. Think of the problem as two separate math problems: multiplying the two numbers across the top is one problem and multiplying the two numbers across the bottom is the second problem.
4. Consider the problem ½ x ¾. Multiplying the numbers above the line; these are the numerators. In the example problem you multiply 1 and 3 (or 1 x 3), which equals 3.
5. Next multiply the numbers below the line; these are the denominators. In the example problem you multiply 2 and 4 (or 2 x 4), which equals 8. Therefore, the answer to the two parts of the problem is 3 and 8 or 3/8.
6. Check your work using estimation. If you multiply a fraction number by a fraction that is less than one, then the answer will be a value less than the first fraction.
7. Reverse the check procedure. If you multiply a fraction by a fraction greater than one, then the answer will be a value greater than the first fraction.
8. Use this method when multiplying more than two fractions together as well. Write out all of the fractions in a line. Multiply all the numbers on top of the line to get the numerator, and then all of the numbers on the bottom of the line to get the denominator.
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