When multiplying fractions Why do we multiply the denominators?

If you multiply both the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same non-zero number, the fraction remains unchanged in value. Therefore, equivalent fractions can be created by multiplying (or dividing) the numerator and denominator by the same number. This number is referred to as a multiplier.

What happens when you multiply fractions?

When you multiply a number by a fraction, you are finding part of that number. For example, if you multiply 6 by 1/2, you are finding 1/2 of 6. Anytime you’re multiplying a number by a fraction, you’re finding part of that number. If you’re multiplying 1/4 by 1/2, you’re finding 1/2 of 1/4.

Why does multiplying fractions make it smaller?

When you multiply by a fraction, you are finding that fraction, or portion, of the original whole. Assuming that you’re dealing with “proper” fractions (which are smaller than 1), then you must end up with a smaller value, because you’re taking only part of the original value.

Why do denominators have to be the same?

The denominator will always stay the same because the size of the equal pieces does not change when you combine the two fractions together. For example, let’s say you have 1/10 + 6/10. They have the same denominator, so they can be combined together.

What is the most important rule when multiplying fractions?

Numerator Times Numerator The first rule in multiplying fractions is to multiply the numerators of the fractions. The numerator of a fraction is the number that appears on top. In the fraction above, the 3 is the numerator because it appears on top. We have to multiply the two numerators first.

What happens when you multiply by a fraction less than 1?

The identity property of multiplication tells us that a number x 1 has a product equal to the number (itself). For example, 4 x 1 = 4. So when we multiply by a fraction that is less than 1, our product has to be less than the number we are multiplying the fraction by. For example, 4 x 1/3 = 1 1/3.

Why denominators are not added together?

When adding fractions, why don’t you add the denominators? A denominator indicates how many equal pieces make one unit. If you add the denominators when adding fractions, the new denominator won’t describe how many equal pieces are in one unit.

Do you add the denominator when you add fractions?

If the denominators are not the same, then you have to use equivalent fractions which do have a common denominator . To do this, you need to find the least common multiple ( LCM ) of the two denominators. To add fractions with unlike denominators, rename the fractions with a common denominator. Then add and simplify.

How do you multiply fractions in simplest form?

As fractions are ratios a fraction can have many equivalent forms. Multiplying the numerator and denominator of a fraction with a same number gives a fraction equivalent of the first fraction. Hence any fraction can be reduced into its simplest form by dividing he numerator and denominator with their greatest common factor.

What is 5 over 6 simplified?

In the fraction 5/6, 5 is the numerator and 6 is the denominator. When you ask “What is 5/6 simplified?”, we assume you want to know how to simplify the numerator and denominator to their smallest values, while still keeping the same value of the fraction.

How do you get rid of a fraction in the denominator?

Students learn that if a fraction appears in an equation, the first step is to get rid of the fraction by multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator of the fraction.