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When multiplying a fraction by a fraction why do you get a smaller fraction?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Fractions are just numbers. If you multiply a number by one, you get the same number. If you multiply a number by a number smaller than 1, you get a smaller number. If you multiply a number by a number bigger than one, you get a larger number. Dealing with fractions doesn't really tell you anything about the result of your operations.
1 = 1/1 = 2/2 = 50/50 = etc
.5 = 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = etc
2 = 4/2 = 8/4 = 12/6
Fractions are just a form of representing a number. Sometimes they are simpler to visualize than long decimals, such as .555555555. But that decimal number is the same as 5/9, a nice and simple expression in fraction form. And you can usually multiply a fraction in your head, versus a decimal. What is .1818181818 * .25? Well its the same as 2/11 * 1/4 which is 2/44 or 1/22.
An example of a non-decreasing fraction multiply is:
1*2 = 1/1 * 2/1 = 2/1 = 2. 2 > 1, so this is a simple (and trivial) example of not getting a smaller fraction. You only get a smaller fraction when you multiply by values smaller than one. A fraction that is smaller than one is the denominator being larger than the numerator (1/2 or 12/28828 or whatever).
Hope this clears up any confusions!
Additional answer
If you substitute the word 'of' for 'times' in the sentence 'what is 4 times 5?' then you get 'what is 4 of 5?' = 20. If you say 'what is half of eight' then it is obviously 4 (which is smaller), thus answering your question.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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Multiplying a number by what would result in a smaller number?
a proper fraction, a decimal or a negative number.
Why do you get a smaller number when multiplying a decimal?
Because
When multiplying fraction by fraction will the product be greater than or less than?
It is not possible to tell.
Why multiplying a number by a fraction less than 1 will give you a smaller product than your first factor?
Not necessarily. -1/2 is a fraction which is less than 1.-10 * -1/2 = 5, a product which is bigger than -10.
You read on the fraction chart that the proper shape for multiplying fractions is fraction form what does that mean?
it means to multiply a fraction
When multiplying fraction by fraction the product will always be?
The only generalisation posible is that it will always be a rational number. The product can be positive or negative; it can be a fraction or an integer, it can be larger or smaller.
Why does the answer get smaller when multiplying decimals less than 1?
When multiplying decimals less than 1, the answer gets smaller because each decimal is less than 1. Multiplying a number by a value less than 1 will always result in a smaller product. Think of it as taking a fraction or a portion of the number, which will inevitably make the product smaller.
What operation is the same as dividing by a fraction?
Multiplying by the reciprocal of the fraction.
Why is it when you multiply two proper fractions your product is less than either factor?
Remember the denominator shows how many equal parts the item is divided into, so because you are multiplying the number of parts (you are increasing the number of cuts) the denominator will get bigger ...which in turn means the pieces will be smaller. Just remember the higher a denominator is the smaller it will be in size...multiplying a fraction means you are multiplying the number of cuts and sections that is why the size gets smaller.
Do you use the reciprocal of the fraction when multiplying?
No.
When multiplying use fraction notification we form products in the numerator and the denominator but do not immediatily calculate the product?
That is correct. It is easier to simplify the fraction before multiplying all the factors in the numerator and the denominator.That is correct. It is easier to simplify the fraction before multiplying all the factors in the numerator and the denominator.That is correct. It is easier to simplify the fraction before multiplying all the factors in the numerator and the denominator.That is correct. It is easier to simplify the fraction before multiplying all the factors in the numerator and the denominator.
Why is the answer larger when you multiply a whole number by a whole number and smaller when you multiply a whole number by a proper fraction?
It is larger because the two whole numbers form a greater, larger number when multiplpied together. It is smaller when u multiply a whole number by a fraction because a fraction is a decimal and u get a smaller number when multiplying a number like 1/7 of 5
When you multiply two fractions does the number get greater or less than the two fractions multiplied?
if you mean multiplying something by a fraction where the numerator is smaller than the denominator then yes.
Dividing by a fraction will increase the number but multiplying by a fraction will decrease the number?
true
Why is multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same nonzero number the same as multiplying or dividing the fraction the fraction by 1?
Because doing so is equivalent to multiplying or dividing by x/x, which can be cancelled down to 1.
Multiplying a number by what would result in a smaller number?
a proper fraction, a decimal or a negative number.
Why do you get a smaller number when multiplying a decimal?
Because
