Multiplying Fractions & Mixed Numbers

Multiplication of fractions is pretty simple compared to addition and subtraction. And guess what, you don't have to find a common denominator. Just follow these four easy steps:

1. Convert all mixed numbers to improper fractions.
2. Multiply the numerators.
3. Multiply the denominators.
4. Reduce your final answer. 

Multiplication Example 1

	First convert 3½ to an improper fraction
	Next multiply the numerators, then multiply the denominators
	This is your answer
	If you'd like, you could convert that into a mixed number

Multiplication Example 2

	Multiply the numerators, then multiply the denominators.
	Reduce the fraction (12 and 72 have a GCF of 12)

Cross-Canceling

Instead of reducing the fraction at the end of the problem, you can cross-cancel before you multiply. 

Cross-canceling means that when multiplying fractions you can reduce the numerator of one fraction with the denominator of another. In this example, 5 and 10 can both be divided by 5.

Let's look at the three examples again and see how to use this method.

Cross-Canceling Example 1

	In this first example, we cannot use cross-canceling, since 5 and 2 do not share a common factor, and neither do 7 and 6

Cross-Canceling Example 2

	Here we can reduce the 3 and 9 (by 3) and we can also reduce the 4 and 8 (by 4)

Cross-Canceling Example 3

	First convert each to an improper fraction
	14 and 7 can each be reduced by 7
	Cross cancel
	Here's the answer
	If you'd like, you can turn it back in to a mixed number

Multiplying a Whole Number by a Fraction

Well, remember that all real numbers can be written as fractions. With a whole number, all you need to do is place it over a denominator of 1.

Let's look at an example, shall we?