How to Multiply Fractions in 3 Simple Steps

Multiplying fractions sounds simple—but students often confuse it with adding fractions or forget to simplify their answers. Should you find a common denominator? Do you multiply across or cross-cancel first? In this guide, we’ll break it down into clear steps, walk through examples, and provide a free worksheet to help your child practice the right way.

3 Steps to Solve Multiplication of Fractions

Let’s use an example to clearly show these three steps:

\[\frac{3}{8} \times \frac{2}{3}\]

Step 1: Multiply the Top Numbers (Numerators)

\[\frac{3}{8} \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \times 3}{\text{ }} = \frac{6}{\text{ }}\]

Step 2: Multiply the Bottom Numbers (Denominators)

\[\frac{3}{8} \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \times 3}{8 \times 3} = \frac{6}{24}\]

Step 3: Look for Simplification

We always want our final answer to be as simple and neat as possible. Look at the fraction we got:

\[\frac{6}{24}\]

Both 6 and 24 can be divided by 6. Let’s simplify:

\[\frac{6}{24} = \frac{6 \div 6}{24 \div 6} = \frac{1}{4}\]

And that’s it — Multiply the Top, Multiply the Bottom, Simplify! Quick, clean, and done.

Example Problems: Multiplication of Fractions

Example 1

There is \(\frac{1}{4}\) of a chocolate bar, and you get 3 pieces of the same size. How much chocolate do you have altogether?

Answer:

We can think of this as:

\[\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4}\]

But using multiplication makes it faster:

\[\frac{1}{4} \times 3 = \frac{1}{4} \times \frac{3}{1} = \frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 1} = \frac{3}{4}\]

A whole number is actually a fraction with a denominator 1. So multiplying a fraction by a whole number still follows the same rule: multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators, simplify (if needed).

So, total chocolate \(= \frac{3}{4}\)

Example 2

A recipe needs \(\frac{3}{4}\) cup of sugar. Lisa is making half the recipe. How much sugar does she need?

Answer:

\[\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3 \times 1}{4 \times 2} = \frac{3}{8}\]

She needs \(\frac{3}{8}\) cup of sugar.

Summery: Keys to Multiplication of Fractions

The Golden Rule for Multiplying Fractions:

1. If there are mixed numbers, change them to improper fractions first;
2. Multiply the numerators (top numbers) together;
3. Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers) together;
4. Simplify your final answer. If it’s an improper fraction, rewrite it as a mixed number if needed.

Once you get the hang of it, multiplying fractions feels like solving a puzzle — fast and satisfying!

Want more practice?

Additional Math Topics for Grade 6 – with Free Worksheets

• Division of Fractions
• Area of Trapezoid
• Area of Triangles
• Area of Parallelograms

About Think Academy

Think Academy, a leading K–12 math education provider wholly owned by TAL Education Group, is dedicated to helping students build strong mathematical foundations and critical thinking. Our structured curriculum provides multiple course levels designed to accommodate students with diverse academic goals and proficiency levels, ensuring targeted and effective learning experiences. Supported by advanced teaching methods, expert instructors, and innovative AI technology, Think Academy consistently demonstrates excellence, trustworthiness, and proven expertise in mathematics education.

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