Year 8 · Maths · Multiplying and dividing fractions · Lesson 1
Multiplying fractions
Learn to multiply fractions by fractions and by whole numbers, find a fraction of an amount, simplify before multiplying, and solve area and word problems.
34-minute video lesson
Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.
Watch free for a monthWhat your child will learn
- Multiply a fraction by a fraction
- Multiply a fraction by a whole number
- Understand that 'of' means multiply
- Simplify before or after multiplying
- Solve problems involving fractions of amounts and areas
The method
- Write any whole number as a fraction over 1.
- Multiply the numerators (tops).
- Multiply the denominators (bottoms).
- Simplify your answer.
Key words: fraction, numerator, denominator, multiply, simplify.
Worked examples
The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.
Question 1
Work out 1/2 × 1/3.
- Step 1: Tops: 1 × 1 = 1. Bottoms: 2 × 3 = 6.
- Step 2: Can 1/6 simplify? No.
Answer: 1/6
Question 2
Work out 2/3 × 1/5.
- Step 1: Tops: 2 × 1 = 2. Bottoms: 3 × 5 = 15.
- Step 2: Can 2/15 simplify? No.
Answer: 2/15
Question 3
Work out 3/4 × 1/2.
- Step 1: Tops: 3 × 1 = 3. Bottoms: 4 × 2 = 8.
- Step 2: Can 3/8 simplify? No.
Answer: 3/8