1.06.01 Multiplying fractions.

This is a very simple procedure. You just multiply the numerators and denominators of the fractions individually to produce the answer, which is then expressed in its lowest form.

examples

Simplifying the problem.

To keep the result of the multiplications as small as possible, both fractions being multiplied should be in their lowest form. This is done as shown earlier. i.e. By dividing the numerator and denominator of each fraction by a common number. In fact we can extend this method by also dividing where possible the numerator of one fraction and the denominator of the other fraction by a common number (greater than 1). If the fractions are first reduced using these methods then the multiplications carried out will be as simple as possible. (Also the answer obtained will be a fraction that is already in its lowest form).

Example.