Fractions tell us about parts of a whole.
The top number is the numerator. It shows the number of parts you have.
The bottom number is the denominator. It shows the total number of parts the whole is divided into.
Let's use an area model to help us see what 3/4 looks like.
An area model is a shape that's divided into equal parts. It shows what a fraction looks like.
Let’s show 3/4 using an area model.
Our denominator is 4, so we split our shape into 4 equal parts.
We shade 3 of those parts, because our numerator is 3.
Our area model for 3/4 is complete.
Now, let’s learn how to multiply fractions with an example.
Multiply 3/4 by 2/5.
When we multiply 3/4 by 2/5, we're really finding out 3/4 of 2/5.
Let's draw an area model for 2/5.
There are 5 parts. Two parts are shaded:
We used vertical lines above.
Now, let's draw an area model for the other fraction, 3/4, this time using horizontal lines.
Let's draw a rectangle and divide it into 4 equal parts. Then we shade 3 of the 4 parts:
When we multiply these two fractions, we lay the area model for 3/4 over the area model for 2/5. The overlapping part is your answer!
How many shaded parts overlap? 🧐
Yes, 6 parts overlap.
6 is the numerator of our answer.
Now, we figure out the denominator.
How many total parts does the rectangle have?
Let's count:
There are 20. This is the denominator of the answer.
That means 3/4 × 2/5 is equal to 6/20.
Great job.
We found the answer, but that was pretty slow.
Now, here's the trick to multiplying fractions without even drawing models.
1️⃣ First, multiply the two numerators.
2️⃣ Then, multiply the denominators.
That's it.
It's actually easier than adding or subtracting fractions.
Now, start the practice. It'll help you remember for longer.