Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Front

How do you multiply two fractions?

Back

To multiply two fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. For example, (a/b) × (c/d) = (a*c)/(b*d).

Front

What is the process for dividing fractions?

Back

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. For example, (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c).

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 1 1/4.

Front

How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

Back

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place that over the original denominator. For example, 1 1/4 = (1*4 + 1)/4 = 5/4.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share, used to add or subtract fractions.

Front

How do you find the least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers?

Back

To find the least common multiple, list the multiples of each number and identify the smallest multiple they have in common.

Front

What is the relationship between multiplication and division of fractions?

Back

Multiplication of fractions increases the value, while division of fractions decreases the value. They are inverse operations.

Front

How do you simplify a fraction?

Back

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).

Front

What is a reciprocal?

Back

A reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number. For a fraction a/b, the reciprocal is b/a.