To multiply improper fractions, you follow a straightforward process. First, you need to multiply the numerators (the top numbers) together, and then multiply the denominators (the bottom numbers) together.
Here are the steps in detail:
- Identify the fractions: Make sure both of your fractions are improper. An improper fraction is one where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
- Multiply the numerators: Take the top numbers of both fractions and multiply them. This will give you the numerator of the product.
- Multiply the denominators: Next, multiply the bottom numbers of both fractions together to get the denominator of the product.
- Simplify if necessary: After multiplying, you may end up with another improper fraction. If so, you can convert it to a mixed number, or simplify it if possible by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.
For example, if you multiply the improper fractions 7/4 and 5/3:
- Multiply the numerators: 7 x 5 = 35
- Multiply the denominators: 4 x 3 = 12
This results in the improper fraction 35/12. This fraction can be simplified by converting it to a mixed number, which is 2 11/12.
So, multiplying improper fractions is a simple matter of multiplying the tops and the bottoms, followed by any necessary simplification!