Multiplying Simple Fractions with Reducing Within a Fraction

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Example 1 Simple Fraction Multiplication with Reducing Within a Fraction

2		1
---	x	---	=	---
4		5

Before multiplying the numerators and denominators, look for ways to reduce both fractions, from within each fraction. First see if you can reduce 2/4 or 1/5. Then replace the reduced form of the fraction in place of the original fraction. We know that 2/4 can be reduced to 1/2.

2	/	2		1
---		---	=	---
4	/	2		2

1		1		1
---	x	---	=	---
2		5		10

When you multiply, multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators straight across.

Then you will not have to reduce your answer since you have reduced (cancelled) before you multiplied the fractions together.

The answer in simplest form is 1/10.