Problem Solving on Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers

When DIVIDING FRACTIONS ...

• Add the fractions.

• Get a common denominator.

• Keep the 1st fraction, Change to multiplication, and Flip the 2nd fraction to its reciprocal.

• Subtract the fractions.

When MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS...

• You MUST get a common denominator.

• Multiply across the top, multiply across the bottom.

• Add the fractions.

• Subtract the fractions.

When MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING a (Negative)(Negative) =

• a POSITIVE answer.

• a NEGATIVE answer.

• a square root.

• a mess.

When multiplying or dividing a NEGATIVE and NEGATIVE number your result will be...

• POSITIVE

• NEGATIVE

• DEPENDS ON WHICH NUMBER IS LARGER.

Find the product of the numbers.

• 12/12

• 1

• -1

• -9

Choose the correct answer in simplest form.

• -²/₆

• -¹/₃

• ²/₃

• ¹/₃

Find the product of the two numbers.

• -43.68

• -4.368

• 40.5

• 43.68

When multiplying or dividing a NEGATIVE and POSITIVE number your result will be...

• Positive

• Negative

• Depends on which is bigger.

Divide (it might be helpful to re-write this problem in the usual way you see dividing fractions) as 3/8 ÷ -1/7

• -21/8 or -2 ⅝

• -3/56

• 2 ⅝

• 3/56

Multiply. Make sure your final answer is in simplest form. 

• -7/8

• 7/8

• -63/72

• 63/72