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Why isn't a common denominator needed when multiplying or dividing fractions?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
All you need to do to multiply two fractions is multiply the numerators, and multiply the denominators. First converting to a common denominator is possible, and it will indeed give you a correct answer, but it's an unnecessary complication. Not only must you find this common denominator, but it would also cost you additional work to simplify the result.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
First answer: Why do you think it should be needed ?
Second answer: Perhaps it can be best explained by means of a parable.
You can easily take 1/4 of a cake, but you can't add (1/4) + (1 cake).
In order to add, either they must both be quarters, or else they must both be cakes.
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Do you need a common denominator for dividing and multiplying fractions?
No you do not.
Do you need a common denominator to divide fractions?
No. Dividing fractions is achieved by inverting the divisor and multiplying the resulting fractions. To multiply fractions the numerators are multiplied together to form the new numerator and the denominators are multiplied together to form the new denominator.
When multiplying fractions when they have same common denominator do you multiply the denominators?
YES.
When dividing fractions do need a common denominator?
No. Common denominators are needed for addition and subtraction, not multiplication or division.
How do you put different fractions in increasing order?
Option 1: Find a common denominator for the two fractions. It need not be the least common denominator; for example, for two fractions, if you just multiply the two denominators, you get a common denominator. Convert all the fractions to the common denominator. Then you can compare. Option 2: Convert each fraction to decimal, by dividing the numerator by the denominator. Then you can compare the decimals.
Do you need a common denominator for dividing and multiplying fractions?
No you do not.
How do you find common denominators with dividing fractions?
When you're dividing fractions ... or multiplying thrm ... they don't need to have the same denominator.
Why is there no common denominator when multiplying or dividing fractions?
Because it is not how multiplication or division are defined.
How do you get the common denominator for dividing fractions?
You don't need a common denominator to divide fractions.
How do you solve all fractions problems?
You basically have to learn separately how to do different things with fractions, including finding a common denominator; converting fractions to a different denominator; simplifying fractions; adding and subtracting fractions; multiplying fractions; dividing fractions.
When you are multiplying fractions do you find the common denominator?
no
Do you need a common denominator multiplying fractions?
No.
Do you need a common denominator for dividing fractions?
No only when adding or subtracting fractions a common denominator is needed
Do you need a common denominator to divide fractions?
No. Dividing fractions is achieved by inverting the divisor and multiplying the resulting fractions. To multiply fractions the numerators are multiplied together to form the new numerator and the denominators are multiplied together to form the new denominator.
How do you get the common denominator in dividing fraction?
You don't need a common denominator to divide fractions.
When multiplying fractions when they have same common denominator do you multiply the denominators?
YES.
Why don't you have to find a common denominator when multiplying fractions?
Multiplying fractions is quite different from adding them. You just multiply the numberators and the denominators separately. You can find the common denominator if you like, but in the end (after simplifying), you'll get the same result, and the additional work of finding the common denominator and converting the fractions turns out to be unnecessary. Try it out for some fractions!
