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  1. Step 1

    Copy the original problem down. Check to see if it is a multiplication or division problem.

  2. Step 2

    Multiply by the inverse in a division problem. For instance, 3/4 divided by 1/2 would need to be changed to 3/4 times 2/1. Whenever you divide fractions, you always flip the second fraction and change the problem to multiplication.

  3. Step 3

    Look at the numerators and denominators. Decide if there are any common factors, or numbers that you can evenly divide into both the numerator and denominator. For instance, in 3/4 times 2/1, the 2 and the 4 have a common factor of 2.

  4. Step 4

    Divide the numerator and denominator you have chosen by the common factor. In the example, you will have 3/2 times 1/1. On your paper you will cross out the number you have and put the new number that you get when you divide by the common factor.

  5. Step 5

    Multiply numerators together and multiply denominators together to get your answer. In this problem the answer is 3/2.

  6. Step 6

    Reduce your answer or make it a mixed number if needed. In the example the answer would be 1 1/2. Proper canceling will make it so that you do not need to reduce your answer. However, you may need to make it into a mixed number.

  7. Step 7

    Remember that you can cancel more than once. For example, if you are multiplying 25/32 times 24/30, you will get to cancel several times.

  8. Step 8

    Start canceling by dividing the 32 and the 24 by 8. This will give you 25/4 times 3/30. Then divide the 25 and the 30 by 5, giving you 5/4 times 3/6.

  9. Step 9

    Divide the 3 and 6 by 3. It does not matter that these digits are found in the same fraction. This will give you 5/4 times 1/2. You cannot cancel the 4 and the 2 because they are both denominators.

  10. Step 10

    Multiply and reduce or simplify your answer. The answer is 5/8, which cannot be simplified.

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14y ago

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