First, we know that when multiplying fractions, we multiply both the numerator and denominator.
so, in 4/9 • 4/5, 4•4 = 16, and 9•5 = 45
so, 4/9 • 4/5 = 16/45. now, we’ll look for the Least Common Factor
factors are numbers that you can multiply together to = another number. the LEAST common Factor is the # that is smallest that you can divide both numbers by, in an equation and get a whole number.
for instance, 3•3 and 1•9 are the only ways to get 9, so, the factors are 1, 3, 9
let’s look for the LCF in 16 and 45. - if we find the ways to get 16, we have: 1•16, 2•8, and 4•4 so, the factors are 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16. this is called FACTORING :)
the ways to get 45 are... 1•45, 3•15, and 5•9, so the FACTORS are 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, & 45. - compare the factors of 16 & 45, none of them are the same besides 1, and we know that dividing these numbers by 1 will not do anything.
because of this, we can not reduce 16/45, so the reduced answer to 4/9 • 4/5 = 16/45
