Example 1. To multiply fractions, multiply the
numerators and multiply the
denominators straight across. In many problems, it is easier to do some division
before
multiplying . For example, our problem could be done by:
This problem could also be done by recognizing that the 2
in the second numerator can
divide into the 4 in the first denominator.
This second approach can provide significant advantages in
many problems and so the
sample solutions will take this approach.
Example 2.
Multiply 
.
The 3 in the first numerator can be divided into the 15 in
the third denominator. Also the
4 can be divided into the 8. This gives:
Now we see that the 5 divides 35 and the 2 divides 6. This
gives:
Example 3. To divide we invert and multiply.
Exercises.
Solutions and Answers .
