Question

How do you multiply rational numbers in fraction form?

Answer 1

You simply multiply the nominators (top) and the denominators (bottom):

`a/b * c/d = (a*c)/(b*d`

After this, you might have to simplify if asked to do so.
Here's an example:

`5/8 * 4/7`

Following our rule, we should first multiply the nominators:
`5*4 = 20`

After this, we should multiply the denominators:
`8*7 = 56`

And then we should divide both these numbers:
`5/8 * 4/7 = (5*4)/(8*7) = 20/56`

If you're asked to simplify this answer to the lowest terms, you should divide both the nominator and denominator by 4 (in this case), because that's the GCD of the two numbers.

`20/56 = 5/14`