Multiply and Divide Rational Numbers

Front

What is a rational number?

Back

A rational number is any number that can be expressed as the quotient or fraction of two integers, where the denominator is not zero.

Front

How do you multiply two rational numbers?

Back

To multiply two rational numbers, multiply their numerators together and their denominators together. For example, (a/b) * (c/d) = (a*c)/(b*d).

Front

What is the product of a positive and a negative rational number?

Back

The product of a positive and a negative rational number is negative.

Front

What is the product of two negative rational numbers?

Back

The product of two negative rational numbers is positive.

Front

How do you divide two rational numbers?

Back

To divide two rational numbers, multiply the first number by the reciprocal of the second number. For example, (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) * (d/c).

Front

What is the reciprocal of a rational number?

Back

The reciprocal of a rational number a/b is b/a, provided that a and b are not zero.

Front

Calculate: 1/4 x 6.

Back

1/4 x 6 = 6/4 = 1 1/2.

Front

Calculate: -3/5 x -2/3.

Back

-3/5 x -2/3 = 6/15 = 2/5.

Front

Calculate: 1/8 ÷ 1/4.

Back

1/8 ÷ 1/4 = 1/8 x 4/1 = 4/8 = 1/2.

Front

What happens to the sign when you multiply two rational numbers?

Back

If both numbers have the same sign, the product is positive. If they have different signs, the product is negative.