How To Multiply and Divide Fractions Video

Students learn how to multiply fractions with and without cancelling, multiply mixed numbers, and the meaning of reciprocals. They also learn how to divide fractions, divide mixed numbers, and to solve real-world problems.

For more help, check out our Multiply and Divide Fractions Lessons Page

Credit goes to Cognito

How To Multiply Fractions

We will describe through multiplying the fractions: 3/5 x 3/4 Problem

Step 1) Multiply the Numerators: 3 x 3 = 9

Multiply the numerators (the top numbers) of the fractions together. This gives you

Step 2) Multiply the Denominators: 5 x 4 = 20

Multiply the denominators (the bottom numbers) of the fractions together. This gives you

Write the result: Write down the result of the multiplication as a new fraction.

Final Product of Multiplying Fractions


How To Divide Fractions

We will work off of this problem: 3/5 Divided By 3/4

Step 1) Invert the Second Fraction

To divide by a fraction, you actually multiply by its reciprocal (the flipped version). Invert the second fraction by swapping the numerator and denominator, then change the operation to multiplication.

Inverted fraction

Step 2) Multiply the Fractions

Just multiply the numerators and denominators.

Multiply Numerator and Denominator

Step 3) Reduce the Fraction (If required)

To simplify this fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, which is 3, as determined by GCF(12, 15) = 3.

Reduce the Fraction