1. Multiplying & Dividing Fractions Review
6.2.1 Multiplying Fractions
6.2.2 Dividing Fractions
6.2.3 Dividing Mixed Numbers

2. Multiplying Fractions
Step #1: Multiply across the top of both fractions Step #2: Multiply across the bottom of both fractions Step #3: Simply, if possible

3. Reduce Before Operation
If there is a relationship between some of the numbers in the fractions, you can reduce them before you perform the operation.
The reason this works is you would be simplifying at the end of the operation anyways; this way you are reducing first to make the operation easier. 24

4. Caution with Reducing
TIP: You can’t reduce horizontally (across numerators or across denominators), only diagonally.
Note: You COULD change this 4/4 to 1/1 before multiplying though! You can ALWAYS reduce a fraction to its simplest form!

5. Dividing Fractions
Step #1: Rewrite the second fraction (the “divided by” fraction) as it’s reciprocal (flip it upside down) Step #2: Reduce by common factors, if possible Step #3: Multiply across the top Step #4: Multiply across the bottom Step #5: Simplify, if possible

6. Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
A mixed number (whole number with a fraction) MUST be changed to an improper fraction (the numerator is larger than the denominator) before you can perform the operation. Step #1: Multiply the denominator by the whole number Step #2: Add the product from step #1 to the numerator Step #3: Place that sum as the numerator and keep the denominator the same

7. Whole Numbers
When multiplying or dividing a fraction with a whole number, the whole number must be changed to a fraction, and there’s only one step for this:
Step #1: Place a 1 as the denominator under the whole number.
Caution! Do not place the same number as the whole number as the denominator; this equals ONE, not the whole number fraction you’re trying to make.

8. Don’t Forget the Reciprocal!
Caution! If the operation is division, and you’ve just changed a mixed number to an improper fraction or a whole number to a fraction, if the fraction is in the “divided by” spot, you MUST change the fraction you just made into its reciprocal!

9. Homework
Page 74 (#1, 5, 11, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 33, 37)