Multiplying and Dividing of Fractions

Section 3.4 Pages 123 – 129

Section 3.5 Pages 130 – 136

Quick Review
 When we multiply or divide two rational numbers we must
always be aware of the signs of the two numbers.

 Positive (x or ) positive = positive

 Positive (x or ) negative = negative

 Negative (x or ) positive = negative

 Negative (x or ) negative = positive

This would be a good chart to
copy down!
 Reminder:

1 1 1
  
2 2 2
1 1
2 2
 Multiplying Simple Fractions- Finding the
Product
 To multiply two simple fractions, complete the following
steps.
 1. Multiply the numerators.
 2. Multiply the denominators.
 3. Reduce the product.
 4. Identify the resulting sign on the question ( -/+)
 5. Reduce to lowest terms!!!
Example
3 2 3 2  6  2
 
5 3 5  3 15 5
Try ME:

 5   2  8   4
          
12 9 12 7
Multiplying a Whole Number and a Fraction –
Finding the Product

 To multiply a whole number and a fraction,

complete the following steps.
 1. Convert the whole number to a fraction.
 2. Multiply the numerators.
 3. Multiply the denominators.
 4. Reduce the product.
 5. Identify the resulting sign ( -/+)
Try ME:

 3 7
2   3
 4 8
What about mixed numbers?

 If a question contains a mixed number, simply

convert it to an improper fraction and…
 1. Multiply the numerators.
 2. Multiply the denominators.
 3. Reduce the product.
 4. Identify the resulting sign ( -/+)
 Try ME:
 2  5
 2  5  2   3 
 6   1  5 9
3 6
Multiplying Rational Numbers in Decimal form

 1. Predict the sign ( +/-)

 2. Using compatible numbers to solve the

question

 3. Place the correct number of decimal places

into your product
 Try ME:
(-0.4)( -0.7) (0.5)(- 2.4)
 Dividing Simple Fractions- Find the
Quotient

 To divide one fraction by a second fraction,

convert the problem to multiplication and
multiply the two fractions.
 1. Change the second fraction to its reciprocal
 2. Multiply the numerators.
 3. Multiply the denominators.
 4. Reduce the quotient.
 5. Identify the sign result of the question (+/-)
What is a reciprocal?

 Reciprocal  The numerator and denominator

are switched.

 OR the fun way to remember it…

What is a reciprocal?

Reciprocal:
5 A fraction doing
4 a handstand!

5 4
 Try ME:
 3  6   7  9
            
2 7 9 4
 Dividing Fractions with Mixed
Numbers
 To divide a fraction by a whole number:
 1. Convert the mixed number to an improper
fraction.
 2. Change the second fraction to the reciprocal
 3. Multiply the numerators.
 4. Multiply the denominators.
 5. Reduce the quotient.
 6. Identify the sign result of the question (+/-)
Just like in multiplication, convert all
mixed numbers to improper fractions
before dividing!
 Try ME:
 3  5   1  9
 3    2   6    2 
5 6 2 10
 Pg.127-129 1,2,7,9,11,12,14,16

 Pg.134-136 3,9,12,14, 21
 Homework

 See the Worksheets that accompany these sections.