Fraction Lessons
Master all fraction operations with our step-by-step lessons!
How to Multiply Fractions
What You'll Learn
- The basic rule for multiplying fractions
- How to simplify your answer
- Working with mixed numbers
- Real-world examples
Step 1: Multiply the Numerators
The numerator is the top number in a fraction. To multiply fractions, first multiply the numerators together.
Multiply numerators: 2 × 4 = 8
Step 2: Multiply the Denominators
The denominator is the bottom number. Multiply the denominators together.
Multiply denominators: 3 × 5 = 15
Step 3: Simplify (if needed)
Check if your answer can be simplified by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD).
Both 6 and 8 can be divided by 2
Try It Yourself!
Solve: 1 4 × 2 3
How to Add Fractions
What You'll Learn
- Adding fractions with same denominators
- Adding fractions with different denominators
- Finding common denominators
- Simplifying results
Same Denominators
When denominators are the same, just add the numerators!
Different Denominators
Find a common denominator first, then add the numerators.
Common denominator: 6
How to Subtract Fractions
What You'll Learn
- Subtracting fractions with same denominators
- Subtracting fractions with different denominators
- Working with borrowing
- Simplifying results
Same Denominators
When denominators are the same, subtract the numerators!
Different Denominators
Find a common denominator first, then subtract the numerators.
Common denominator: 12
How to Divide Fractions
What You'll Learn
- The "flip and multiply" rule
- Finding reciprocals
- Simplifying division problems
- Real-world division examples
The Magic Rule: Flip and Multiply!
To divide fractions, flip the second fraction and multiply instead!
Flip 4/5 to get 5/4, then multiply!
Complete the Multiplication
Now multiply as you learned in the multiplication lesson!
Simplified by dividing both by 2