The Lesson

Fractions can be multiplied. Imagine you wanted to multiply 2/5 (two-fifths) with 1/3 (one-third).

How to Multiply Fractions

Question

Multiply the fractions below.

Step-by-Step:

1

Multiply the top numbers (called the numerators) of the fractions together.
2 × 1 = 2

2

Multiply the bottom numbers (called the denominators) of the fractions together.
5 × 3 = 15

3

The answer from Step 1 is the numerator of our answer. The answer from Step 2 is the denominator of our answer.

4

Simplify the fraction if possible. (The fraction in our example is already as simple as possible).

Answer:

2/5 (two-fifths) multiplied by 1/3 (one-third) equals 2/15 (two-fifteenths).
2/5 × 1/3 = 2/15

Multiplying Fractions Is Easy

Multiply the tops together, multiply the bottoms together. Then simplify (if possible):

Lesson Slides

The slider below gives a real example of how to multiply fractions.

Top Tip

A Half of a Third

When you see the word "of" following a fraction, it means multiply or ×. Half of a third means:

It's Easier Than Adding and Subtracting

Before you can add or subtract fractions, you have to make sure the bottom numbers (called the denominators) of both fractions are the same. When you are multiplying fractions, it doesn't matter if the denominators aren't the same. Just multiply the top numbers, multiply the bottom numbers, then simplify.