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Multiplying Fractions: To multiply two or more fractions we follow the following steps:
Step 1) Convert the mixed fractions (if any) to improper fractions.
Step 2) The numerator of the required fraction is the product of the numerators of the given fractions and the denominator of the required fraction is the product of the denominators of the given fractions.
If \(\frac{a}{b} and \frac{c}{d}\) are the given fractions then \(\frac{a}{b} X \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a X c}{b X d}\)
Step 3) Reduce the answer to the lowest terms or while multiplying cancel the common factors (if any) from the numerators and denominators of the given fractions and then proceed as in Step (2).
Multiplying Fractions Example 1:
Find 1) \(\frac{3}{10} X 55\)
2) \(7\frac{1}{5} X 6\frac{1}{4}\)
3) \(\frac{2}{3} X \frac{15}{24} X 2\frac{4}{5}\)
Solution: 1)
2)
3)
Multiplying Fractions Example 2:
Evaluate 1) \(\frac{1}{4} of \frac{12}{15}\)
2) \(\frac{4}{15}(\frac{1}{4} + \frac{5}{6})\)
Solution: 1)
2)
Multiplying Fractions Example 3:
A vehicle uses \(2\frac{2}{5}\) liters of petrol in 1 hour. How many liters of petrol will be required to run the vehicle for \(3\frac{1}{2}\) hours.
Solution: Petrol used by the vehicle in 1 hour = \(2\frac{2}{5}\) liters = \(\frac{12}{5}\) liters
Therefore, Petrol used by the vehicle in \(3\frac{1}{2}\) hours = \((\frac{12}{5} X 3\frac{1}{2})\) liters.
= \((\frac{12}{5} X \frac{7}{2})\) liters
= \(\frac{12 X 7}{5 X 2}\) liters
= \(\frac{42}{5} = 8\frac{2}{5}\) liters.