LESSON 11

Question

Multiply & Divide Rational Numbers

Answer 1

To multiply rational numbers, including fractions, decimals, and negative numbers, you can follow the steps below:

1. Multiply the numerators (the top numbers) together to find the new numerator.
2. Multiply the denominators (the bottom numbers) together to find the new denominator.
3. Simplify the newly obtained fraction, if possible, by reducing it to its simplest form.

Let's look at an example:

Example 1:
Multiply 3/4 and -2/5.

Step 1: Multiply the numerators together: 3 * -2 = -6.
Step 2: Multiply the denominators together: 4 * 5 = 20.
Step 3: Simplify the fraction: Since -6 and 20 have a common factor of 2, we can divide both by 2 to get -3/10.

Therefore, 3/4 multiplied by -2/5 is equal to -3/10.

To divide rational numbers, you can use a similar process:

1. Keep the first fraction as is.
2. Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal (flipped version) of the second fraction.
3. Simplify the result, if possible.

Let's look at an example:

Example 2:
Divide -3/4 by 1/5.

Step 1: Keep the first fraction as is: -3/4
Step 2: Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction: (-3/4) * (5/1) = -15/4.
Step 3: Simplify the fraction: Since -15 and 4 have a common factor of 1, the result is already in its simplest form.

Therefore, -3/4 divided by 1/5 is equal to -15/4.

Remember to always simplify your fractions when possible to get the final answer.

Answer 2

Multiply & Divide Rational Numbers Quick Check

Answer 3

Sure! Please provide the rational numbers you would like to multiply and divide.