12.5 Multiply and Divide Fractions

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Front

How do you multiply fractions?

Back

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Then simplify if possible.

Front

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

Back

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.

Front

How do you divide fractions?

Back

To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor. For example, a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a fraction?

Back

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

Front

What is an improper fraction?

Back

An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator, such as 5/4.

Front

What is a mixed number?

Back

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 2 1/2.

Front

How do you convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

Back

To convert an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator.

Front

What is the least common denominator (LCD)?

Back

The least common denominator is the smallest multiple that two or more denominators share, used to add or subtract fractions.

Front

How do you find the least common multiple (LCM)?

Back

To find the least common multiple, list the multiples of each number and find the smallest multiple they have in common.