Multiplying fractions

NumberKey Stage 3

Multiply fractions and cancel common factors to keep the calculation small.

Multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator.
You may cancel common factors between any numerator and any denominator before multiplying.
Simplify the final fraction if needed. A common denominator is not needed.

Example 1

Multiply across

Calculate.

Example 2

Cancel first

Work out the result and simplify fully.

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 3.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 4.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Remember
Cancel factors in a multiplication. Do not cancel across addition or subtraction.

Your turn

Question 1

Calculate.

Check answer

Question 2

Calculate. Give your answer in its simplest form.

Check answer

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 3.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 2.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Question 3

Calculate. Give your answer in its simplest form.

Check answer

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 5.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 3.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Question 4

Calculate. Give your answer in its simplest form.

Check answer

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 7.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 4.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Question 5

Calculate. Give your answer in its simplest form.

Check answer

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 2.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Highest common factor of this numerator and denominator: 3.

Cancel the common factor from top and bottom.

Example 1

Example 2

Your turn

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