Question

How to multiply and divide rational numbers?

Answer 1

To multiply two fractions, you multiply the numbers straight across. The numerators stick together and multiply; the denominators stick together and multiply. For example:

1/2 times 3/4 = (1 times 3)/(2 times 4) = 3/8

After multiplying, we reduce if possible. In this case, we cannot reduce, so we're done with this example.

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To divide two fractions, you would flip the second fraction and then multiply straight across. So, for example,

5/7 divided by 7/8 = (5/7) times (8/7) = (5 times 8)/(7 times 7) = 40/49

Notice how the steps are similar as before. The only difference really is that we flipped the second fraction.

Answer 2

To divide rational numbers, you turn the division problem into a multiplication problem by flipping the second rational number. Then you go ahead and multiply the tops and bottoms together to get your answer. If you can simplify your problem before multiplication, you can go ahead and do so to make your problem easier.