Question

How do you multiply `\frac { - 5} { 10} \cdot ( \frac { - 25} { 30} )`?

Answer 1

`5/12`

Explanation:

To multiply fractions,:

• first change any mixed numbers to improper fractions.
• cancel where possible (across a `xx` sign)
• multiply straight across

`(-5)/10 xx (-25)/30" "larr` the sign will be positive

`=+ cancel5^1/cancel10_2 xx cancel25^5/cancel30_6`

`= 5/12`