multiply and divide rational number wuick check

1 answer

To quickly multiply and divide rational numbers, follow these steps:

Multiplying Rational Numbers

  1. Multiply the numerators.
  2. Multiply the denominators.
  3. Simplify if necessary.

Example:
Multiply \( \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{4}{5} \).

\[ \frac{2 \times 4}{3 \times 5} = \frac{8}{15} \]

Dividing Rational Numbers

  1. Multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.
  2. Simplify if necessary.

Example:
Divide \( \frac{3}{4} \div \frac{2}{5} \).

To divide, multiply by the reciprocal:

\[ \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{5}{2} = \frac{3 \times 5}{4 \times 2} = \frac{15}{8} \]

Quick Tips

  • Always look for opportunities to simplify before multiplying or dividing.
  • For negative numbers, remember that a negative divided by a positive is negative, and a positive divided by a negative is also negative. A negative divided by a negative is positive.

If you have specific rational numbers you want to multiply or divide, please provide them!