Multiply or Divide Fractions

CONCEPTS

Tips

• To multiply fractions, separately perform operations on the numerator & denominator. At the end, reduce common terms.

Methods to Simplify Fractions

1) Reduce a fraction (ex: ab / a = b)

2) Complex fractions: there is a fraction in the numerator &/or denominator

EXAMPLE

(1/2) / (3/8) = (1/2) * 8 / (3/8) * 8 = 4/3

PRACTICE PROBLEMS

Question 1 Reduce 1/4 * 2/5 * 7/a

-- Answer -- 14a/20

(1 * 2 * 7) / (4 * 5 * a) = 14a/20 = 7a/10

Question 2 What’s the fraction that results from 2/5 being divided by it’s reciprocal?

-- Answer -- 4/25

(2/5) / (5/2) = (4/10) / (25/10) = 4/25

ACT PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1/1

1/1

1/1