Multiply fractions
1/2 x 3/4 = 3/8.
Multiply top by top and bottom by bottom.
Year 6
Multiply simple pairs of proper fractions, writing the answer in its simplest form, and divide proper fractions by whole numbers
Multiply simple fractions and divide a fraction by a whole number.
Lesson overview
Number - fractions, decimals and percentages
To multiply simple fractions, multiply the numerators and denominators and then simplify. Dividing a fraction by a whole number means splitting that fraction into equal parts.
Divide by a whole number
3/4 divided by 2 gives half of 3/4, which is 3/8.
You are splitting the fraction into 2 equal parts.
Worked example
Work out 2/3 x 3/5.
| Numerators | Denominators |
|---|---|
| 2 x 3 = 6 | 3 x 5 = 15 |
- Multiply the numerators: 2 x 3 = 6.
- Multiply the denominators: 3 x 5 = 15.
- The product is 6/15.
- Simplify 6/15 to 2/5.
Try it
Work carefully with the numerators and denominators, then simplify.
Question 1
1/2 x 3/4 =
Question 2
2/3 x 3/5 simplifies to:
Question 3
3/4 ÷ 2 =
Question 4
Which answer is already in simplest form?
Question 5
1/5 x 1/2 =
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Adding fractions instead of multiplying them.
- Forgetting to simplify the final answer.
- Treating division by a whole number as division by the denominator only.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Use common factors to simplify fractions.
- Recall and use equivalences between fractions, decimals and percentages.