Answer to Question #107379 in Algebra for Anu

Question

Suggest an activity to help her understand the algorithm for multiplication of two
fractions.

Answer 1

The first step when multiplying fractions is to multiply the two numerators. The second step is to multiply the two denominators. Finally, simplify the new fractions. The fractions can also be simplified before multiplying by factoring out common factors in the numerator and denominator. Simplifying before multiplying helps avoid dealing with large numbers.

The area model effectively illustrates what one fraction times (or “of”) another looks like.

creating an area model when multiplying fraction is easy:

1) Draw the fractions you’re multiplying in separate boxes, each using a different color,

2) Combine the drawings into one box, using a new color for the parts that overlap,

To write the product, ask yourself two questions:

• How many boxes have both colors? This will be your numerator.
• How many boxes are there in total? This will be your denominator.