Question

what is the definition of multiplyig
fractions

Answer 1

Multiplying fractions means finding their product by multiplying the numerators together and the denominators together.

Formal rule:
(a/b) × (c/d) = (a·c) / (b·d), where b and d ≠ 0.

Steps to do it:
1. (Optional but helpful) Cancel any common factors across a numerator and the other fraction’s denominator (cross‑cancel) to keep numbers small.
2. Multiply the numerators to get the new numerator.
3. Multiply the denominators to get the new denominator.
4. Simplify the result (reduce to lowest terms or convert to a mixed number if needed).

Examples:
- 2/3 × 4/5 = (2·4)/(3·5) = 8/15.
- 2/3 × 9/4: cross‑cancel 3 with 9 → 1 and 3, then (2·3)/(1·4) = 6/4 = 3/2.
- Multiply by a whole number: 3 × 2/5 = (3/1) × (2/5) = 6/5 = 1 1/5.
- Mixed numbers: convert to improper fractions first. 1 1/2 × 2 2/3 = (3/2) × (8/3) = (3·8)/(2·3) = 24/6 = 4.

Sign rule:
If one factor is negative, the product is negative; if both are negative, the product is positive.

That’s the basic definition and method. Would you like more examples or practice problems?