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Multiplying and

Dividing Rational
Numbers
Rational Numbers

The term Rational Numbers refers to any number that can


be written as a fraction.
This includes fractions that are reduced, fractions that can
be reduced, mixed numbers, improper fractions, and even
integers and whole numbers.
An integer, like 4, can be written as a fraction by putting the
number 1 under it.

4
4
1
Multiplying Fractions
When multiplying fractions, they do NOT need to
have a common denominator.
To multiply two (or more) fractions, multiply across,
numerator by numerator and denominator by
denominator.
If the answer can be simplified, then simplify it.

Example: 2 9 2 9 18 2 9
5 2 52 10 2 5

Example: 3 5 3 5 15
4 2 4 2 8
Simplifying Diagonally
When multiplying fractions, we can simplify the
fractions and also simplify diagonally. This isnt
necessary, but it can make the numbers smaller and
keep you from simplifying at the end.
From the last slide: 2 x 9 2 x 9 18 2 9
5 2 5x2 10 2 5
1
An alternative:
2 9 1x9 9
x
5 2 5x1 5
1

You do not have to simplify diagonally, it is just an option. If you


are more comfortable, multiply across and simplify at the end.
Mixed Numbers
To multiply mixed numbers, convert them to
improper fractions first.

3 2 1 1 35 2 1 4 1 175
5 4 5 4 5 4
1
175 17 1 17


5 4 1 4 4
1
Sign Rules
Remember, when multiplying signed numbers...

Positive * Positive = Positive.


Negative * Negative = Positive.
Positive * Negative = Negative.

3 2 6 2 3
1)
8 5 40 2 20

3 1 3 3 1
2)
10 6 60 3 20
Try These: Multiply
Multiply the following fractions and mixed numbers:
6 1 1 6
1) 2) 5

5 3 3 5

3 1 4 6
3) 1 3 4)
4 2 9 8
Solutions: Multiply
6 1 6 3 2
1)

5 3 15 3 5

1 6 16 6 96 3 32
2) 5
3 5 3 5 15 3 5

3 1 7 7 49
3) 1 3
4 2 4 2 8

4 6 24 24 1
4)
9 8 72 24 3
Solutions (alternative): Multiply
Note: Problems 1, 2 and 4 could have been simplified before
multiplying.
2
6 1 2
1)
5 3 5
1
2
1 6 16 6 32
2) 5
3 5 13 5 5

1 3 1
4 6 1 6 1 3 1
4)
9 82 9 21 9 1 3
3
Dividing Fractions
When dividing fractions, they do NOT need to have a
common denominator.
To divide two fractions, change the operation to
multiply and take the reciprocal of the second fraction
(flip the second fraction). Keep-Change-Change.

Change Operation.

2 9 2 2

5 2 5 9
Flip 2nd Fraction.
Dividing Fractions
Finish the problem by following the rules for
multiplying fractions.

2 9 2 2 4

5 2 5 9 45
Try These: Divide
Divide the following fractions & mixed numbers:
6 1 3 1
1) 2)
5 2 2 2

1 2 7 2
3) 2 3 4) 1
3 3 3 3
Solutions: Divide
6 1 6 2 12
1)
5 2 5 1 5

3 1 3 2 6 2 3
2) 3
2 2 2 1 2 2 1

1 2 7 11 7 3 21 3 7
3) 2 3
3 3 3 3 3 11 33 3 11

7 2 7 5 7 3 21 3 7
4) 1
3 3 3 3 3 5 15 3 5

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