Multiply Fractions
How to multiply fractions – Special fractions worksheets
There are some basic, very important, math skills underlying multiply fractions. If kids want to learn how to multiply fractions, they have to have the following tools in their math tools chest.
- Ultimate multiplication skills or in other words kids need to be very competent on times tables.
- Once kids know their times tables, the next tool is the knowledge of prime factorization of a number.
- Last but not least the knowledge of the method on how to multiply two or more fractions with each other.
Kids can get fractions worksheets and prime factoring worksheets by visiting online.
Two methods to multiply fractions
There are many ways to multiply fractions. One of the method is to multiply the fractions and then reduce the resulting fractions into lowest terms if possible. This method is the easiest one and works most of the times but not always.
The second method to multiply fractions is to reduce the fractions before multiplying them and then multiply the given fractions after simplify them. This method takes little bit time to develop the skill but very powerful and works all the time. Once kids know this method to multiplying fractions, then they never look back as this the fastest method to multiply two or more fractions.
How to multiply fractions using prime factors
The second method need to develop the skill of prime factorization of any number. If kids have learn how to find prime factors of a number then they can do the 2nd method of multiplying fractions very easily. To perform this method, we need to find the prime factors of all the numerator and denominators of the given fractions and write all of these prime factors together, on top for all the numerators and at bottom for all the denominators. Then we can cut the same factor present at top and bottom (if any).
After cutting the same factors, multiply the rest of the factors at top and bottom to get the numerator and denominator of the answering fraction, respectively.
Lesson to learn fraction multiplication using prime factorizing method
Below is a lesson on the second method to multiply fractions, i.e. prime factorization to multiply fractions.
- Multiply fractions made easy
Once kids get comfortable on how to multiply fractions using prime factors, the next step is to print some fractions worksheets on multiplying fractions. This way they can make sure that they know this key skill very well. For fractions worksheets on multiply fractions you can visit www.fractionsworksheets.ca or click in any link in this post to take you to the multiplying fractions page of the site.
Great Regards
Guru Angad Educational Team
