How to Multiply Improper Fractions: Step-by-Step Examples

Understanding Improper Fractions

• 💡 An improper fraction is defined as a fraction where the numerator is equal to or greater than the denominator.

Multiplying Improper Fractions: Basic Method

• 🎯 To multiply two fractions, multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together.
• ⚡ Example 1: Multiplying 6/5 by 8/5 results in (6 * 8) / (5 * 5) = 48/25.
• ⚡ Example 2: Multiplying 4/3 by 7/5 results in (4 * 7) / (3 * 5) = 28/15.

Simplifying Before Multiplication

• 🔑 Simplifying before multiplying can make calculations easier.
• 💡 Example 3: For 9/5 * 2/3, notice that 9 is divisible by 3. Rewrite as (3*3)/5 * 2/3. Cancel one 3 from the numerator and denominator. The result is (3 * 2) / (5 * 1) = 6/5.
• 💡 Example 4: For 8/5 * 15/4, notice 8 is divisible by 4 and 15 is divisible by 5. Rewrite as (42)/5 * (53)/4. Cancel the 4s and the 5s. The result is (2 * 3) / (1 * 1) = 6/1 or 6.