multiplying and dividing fractions

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

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. For example, (2/3) * (4/5) = (2*4)/(3*5) = 8/15.

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. For example, (2/3) ÷ (4/5) = (2/3) * (5/4) = (2*5)/(3*4) = 10/12, which simplifies to 5/6.

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as 5/4.

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 1 1/2.

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.

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

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