1. Multiplying Fractions with Cross Cancellation
Cross Cancellation - dividing a numerator and a denominator by the same number

2. Cross Cancellation Multiply 3 x 1 4 3
4 3
Step 1. Look for the same number in the numerator and denominator. 3 is in the numerator and denominator.
Step 2. Divide the numerator and denominator by 3. Write the new numerator and denominator.
Step 3. Multiply the new numerator and denominators.
The Product of 3/4 times 1/3 is 1/4.
Multiply. Use cross cancellation first.
1. 1/5 x 5/6
2. 3/8 x 1/3
3. 1/8 x 8/9
4. 4/5 x 3/4

3. Remember! You can use cross cancellation even when you do not see the same number in the numerator and denominator. Look for the other common factor.

4. Example
Multiply 1 x 4
2 5
Step 1. Find a common factor of a numerator and denominator. 2 and 4 have a common factor of 2.
Step 2. Divide the denominator 2 and the numerator 4 by the common factor. Write the new numerator and denominator.
Step 3. Multiply the new numerators and denominators.

5. Sometimes you can cross-cancel more than once. You can cancel two times. Step 1. Find common factors of the numerators and denominators 3 and 15 have a common factor of 3, 6 and 10 have a common factor of 2. Step 2. Divide the numerators and denominators by the common factors. Write the new numbers. Step 3. Multiply the new numerators and denominators.