📚 Learn: Multiply Fractions

Learning intention: We are learning to multiply fractions and use multiplication to solve problems involving relative quantities and measures.

Remember: To multiply a fraction by a whole number, multiply the numerator by the whole number. To multiply two fractions, multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. Always simplify your answer if possible.

Worked example 1: A fraction × a whole number

Find 3 × 1/4.

Visual model: ● ● ● Each ● represents 1/4, so 3 × 1/4 = 3/4.

Calculation: 3 × 1/4 = 3/4

Worked example 2: Two fractions

Find 2/3 × 3/4.

Visual model: Divide a rectangle into 3 rows and 4 columns. Taking 2 of the 3 rows and 3 of the 4 columns gives 6 of 12 equal parts: 6/12.

Calculation: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2

Steps to remember

1. Multiply the numerators. 2. Multiply the denominators. 3. Simplify the fraction.

✏️ Practise and Solve

Show your working. Write each answer in its simplest form.

🌟 Challenge

✅ Answer Key

1. 2/5

2. 3/2 or 1 1/2

3. 10/7 or 1 3/7

4. 3/2 or 1 1/2

5. 1/3

6. 1/2

7. 1/2

8. 1/4

9. 10

10. 2

11. 2 1/4 m

12. 3 1/3 km

13. 1/2 cup

14. 3/4 kg

15. Both are equal: 3/4 × 2/3 = 1/2 and 5/8 × 4/5 = 1/2.

16. Answers may include 1/2 × 1, 2/3 × 3/4, or 5/6 × 3/5.