When we multiply two fractions together, they do not have to have the same denominator as they do in addition or subtraction.
We simply multiply the top numbers together and then the bottom numbers together, remembering to cancel down at the end.
Example
Work out:
3 | x | 4 |
10 | 15 |
Answer
Multiply the numerators and the denominators together:
= | 3 x 4 | = | 12 |
10 x 15 | 150 |
This new fraction has a common factor of 6, so we can now divide both numerators and denominators by 6:
= | 12 | = | 2 |
150 | 25 |
Let's have a go at some questions now.