3 Easy Steps to Multiply and Divide Fractions with Unlike Denominators

3 Easy Steps to Multiply and Divide Fractions with Unlike Denominators

When encountering fractions with completely different denominators, generally known as in contrast to denominators, performing multiplication and division could appear daunting. Nonetheless, understanding the underlying ideas and following a structured method can simplify these operations. By changing the fractions to have a typical denominator, we will remodel them into equal fractions that share the identical denominator, making calculations extra simple.

To find out the frequent denominator, discover the least frequent a number of (LCM) of the denominators of the given fractions. The LCM is the smallest quantity that’s divisible by all of the denominators. As soon as the LCM is recognized, convert every fraction to its equal fraction with the frequent denominator by multiplying each the numerator and denominator by applicable elements. As an example, to multiply 1/2 by 3/4, we first discover the LCM of two and 4, which is 4. We then convert 1/2 to 2/4 and multiply the numerators and denominators of the fractions, leading to 2/4 x 3/4 = 6/16.

Dividing fractions with in contrast to denominators follows an identical precept. To divide a fraction by one other fraction, we convert the second fraction to its reciprocal by swapping the numerator and denominator. For instance, to divide 5/6 by 2/3, we invert 2/3 to three/2 and proceed with the multiplication course of: 5/6 ÷ 2/3 = 5/6 x 3/2 = 15/12. By simplifying the ensuing fraction, we receive 5/4 because the quotient.

The Fundamentals of Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

Understanding Fractions

A fraction represents part of an entire. It consists of two numbers: the numerator, which is written on high, and the denominator, which is written on the underside. The numerator signifies what number of components are being thought-about, whereas the denominator signifies the entire variety of components in the entire. For instance, the fraction 1/2 represents one half out of a complete of two components.

Multiplying Fractions

To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators after which multiply the denominators. The product of the fractions is a brand new fraction with the multiplied numerators because the numerator and the multiplied denominators because the denominator. As an example:

“`
(1/2) x (3/4) = (1 x 3) / (2 x 4) = 3/8
“`

Dividing Fractions

To divide fractions, we invert the second fraction (flip the numerator and denominator) after which multiply. The reciprocal of a fraction is discovered by switching the numerator and denominator. For instance:

“`
(1/2) ÷ (3/4) = (1/2) x (4/3) = 2/3
“`

Simplifying Fractions

After multiplying or dividing fractions, it could be essential to simplify the consequence by discovering frequent elements within the numerator and denominator and dividing by these elements. This may scale back the fraction to its easiest kind. For instance:

“`
(6/12) = (1 x 2) / (3 x 4) = 1/2
“`

Operation Instance
Multiplying Fractions (1/2) x (3/4) = 3/8
Dividing Fractions (1/2) ÷ (3/4) = 2/3
Simplifying Fractions (6/12) = 1/2

Discovering the Least Frequent A number of (LCM)

To multiply or divide fractions with in contrast to denominators, you have to first discover the least frequent a number of (LCM) of the denominators. The LCM is the smallest constructive integer that’s divisible by all of the denominators.

To seek out the LCM, you should use the Prime Factorization Methodology. This technique includes expressing every denominator as a product of its prime elements after which figuring out the very best energy of every prime issue that seems in any of the denominators. The LCM is then discovered by multiplying collectively the very best powers of every prime issue.

For instance, let’s discover the LCM of 12, 15, and 18.

12 = 22 x 3
15 = 3 x 5
18 = 2 x 32

The LCM is 22 x 32 x 5 = 180.

Multiplying Fractions with In contrast to Denominators

Multiplying fractions with in contrast to denominators requires discovering a typical denominator that’s divisible by each unique denominators. To do that, observe these steps:

  1. Discover the Least Frequent A number of (LCM) of the denominators. That is the smallest quantity divisible by each denominators. To seek out the LCM, you possibly can record the multiples of every denominator and establish the smallest quantity that seems in each lists.
  2. Multiply the numerator and denominator of every fraction by the issue essential to make the denominator equal to the LCM. For instance, if the LCM is 12 and one fraction has a denominator of 4, multiply the numerator and denominator by 3.
  3. Multiply the numerators and denominators of the fractions collectively. The product of the numerators would be the new numerator, and the product of the denominators would be the new denominator.

Instance: Multiply the fractions 13 and 25 .

  • The LCM of three and 5 is 15.
  • Multiply 13 by 55 to get 515 .
  • Multiply 25 by 33 to get 615 .
  • Multiply the numerators and denominators of the brand new fractions: 561515 = 30225 .
Fraction Issue End result
13 55 515
25 33 615

Subsequently, 13 25 = 30225 .

Lowering the End result to Easiest Type

To cut back a fraction to its easiest kind, we have to discover the best frequent issue (GCF) of the numerator and the denominator after which divide each the numerator and the denominator by the GCF. The consequence would be the easiest type of the fraction.

For instance, to cut back the fraction 12/18 to its easiest kind, we first discover the GCF of 12 and 18. The GCF is 6, so we divide each the numerator and the denominator by 6. The result’s the lowered fraction 2/3.

Listed below are the steps for decreasing a fraction to its easiest kind:

1. Discover the GCF of the numerator and the denominator.
2. Divide each the numerator and the denominator by the GCF.
3. The result’s the only type of the fraction.

Steps Instance
Discover the GCF of the numerator and the denominator. The GCF of 12 and 18 is 6.
Divide each the numerator and the denominator by the GCF. 12 ÷ 6 = 2 and 18 ÷ 6 = 3.
The result’s the only type of the fraction. The best type of 12/18 is 2/3.

Lowering a fraction to its easiest kind is a vital step in working with fractions. It makes it simpler to check fractions and to carry out operations on fractions.

Dividing Fractions with In contrast to Denominators

When dividing fractions with in contrast to denominators, observe these steps:

  1. Flip the second fraction (the divisor) in order that it turns into the reciprocal.
  2. Multiply the primary fraction (the dividend) by the reciprocal of the divisor.
  3. Simplify the ensuing fraction by decreasing it to its lowest phrases.

Instance

Divide 2/3 by 1/4:

**Step 1:** Flip the divisor (1/4) to its reciprocal (4/1).
**Step 2:** Multiply the dividend (2/3) by the reciprocal (4/1): (2/3) * (4/1) = 8/3
**Step 3:** Simplify the consequence (8/3) by dividing each the numerator and denominator by their biggest frequent issue (3): 8/3 = 2⅔

Subsequently, 2/3 divided by 1/4 is 2⅔.

Inverting the Divisor

To invert a divisor, you merely flip the numerator and denominator. Which means that the brand new numerator turns into the previous denominator, and the brand new denominator turns into the previous numerator. For instance, the inverse of two/3 is 3/2.

Inverting the divisor is a helpful approach for dividing fractions with in contrast to denominators. By inverting the divisor, you possibly can flip the division drawback right into a multiplication drawback, which is usually simpler to resolve.

To multiply fractions with in contrast to denominators, you should use the next steps:

  1. Invert the divisor.
  2. Multiply the numerators of the 2 fractions.
  3. Multiply the denominators of the 2 fractions.
  4. Simplify the fraction, if attainable.

Right here is an instance of tips on how to multiply fractions with in contrast to denominators utilizing the inversion technique:

Step Calculation
Invert the divisor 2/3 turns into 3/2
Multiply the numerators 4 x 3 = 12
Multiply the denominators 5 x 2 = 10
Simplify the fraction 12/10 = 6/5

Subsequently, 4/5 divided by 2/3 is the same as 6/5.

Multiplying the Dividend and the Inverted Divisor

To multiply fractions with in contrast to denominators, we have to first discover a frequent denominator for the 2 fractions. This may be accomplished by discovering the Least Frequent A number of (LCM) of the 2 denominators. As soon as we have now the LCM, we will categorical each fractions when it comes to the LCM after which multiply them.

For instance, let’s multiply 1/2 and a pair of/3.

  1. Discover the LCM of two and three. The LCM is 6.
  2. Categorical each fractions when it comes to the LCM. 1/2 = 3/6 and a pair of/3 = 4/6.
  3. Multiply the fractions. 3/6 * 4/6 = 12/36.
  4. Simplify the fraction. 12/36 = 1/3.

Subsequently, 1/2 * 2/3 = 1/3.

Fraction Equal Fraction with LCM
1/2 3/6
2/3 4/6

We will use this technique to multiply any two fractions with in contrast to denominators.

Lowering the End result to Easiest Type

As soon as you have multiplied or divided fractions with in contrast to denominators, the ultimate step is to cut back the consequence to its easiest kind. This implies expressing the fraction when it comes to its lowest attainable numerator and denominator with out altering its worth.

Discover the Best Frequent Issue (GCF) of the Numerator and Denominator

The GCF is the biggest quantity that divides evenly into each the numerator and denominator. To seek out the GCF, you should use the next steps:

  1. Listing the prime elements of each the numerator and denominator.
  2. Establish the frequent prime elements and multiply them collectively.
  3. The product of the frequent prime elements is the GCF.

Divide Each Numerator and Denominator by the GCF

After getting discovered the GCF, you have to divide each the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the GCF. This may scale back the fraction to its easiest kind.

Instance:

Let’s scale back the fraction 12/18 to its easiest kind.

1. Discover the GCF of 12 and 18:

Prime elements of 12: 2, 2, 3

Prime elements of 18: 2, 3, 3

Frequent prime elements: 2, 3

GCF = 2 * 3 = 6

2. Divide each numerator and denominator by the GCF:

12 ÷ 6 = 2

18 ÷ 6 = 3

Subsequently, the only type of 12/18 is 2/3.

Steps Instance
Discover the GCF of 12 and 18 GCF = 6
Divide each numerator and denominator by the GCF 12 ÷ 6 = 2
18 ÷ 6 = 3
Easiest kind 2/3

Superior Functions of Multiplying and Dividing Fractions

9. Functions in Likelihood

Likelihood concept, a department of arithmetic that offers with the probability of occasions occurring, closely depends on fractions. Let’s contemplate the next situation:

You’ve a bag containing 6 purple marbles, 4 blue marbles, and a pair of yellow marbles. What’s the chance of drawing a blue or a yellow marble?

To find out this chance, we have to divide the sum of favorable outcomes (blue and yellow marbles) by the entire variety of attainable outcomes (complete marbles).

Likelihood of drawing a blue or yellow marble = (Variety of blue marbles + Variety of yellow marbles) / Whole variety of marbles
Likelihood of drawing a blue or yellow marble = (4 + 2) / (6 + 4 + 2)
Likelihood of drawing a blue or yellow marble = 6 / 12
Likelihood of drawing a blue or yellow marble = 1 / 2

Subsequently, the chance of drawing a blue or a yellow marble is 1/2.

End result Quantity Likelihood
Draw a blue marble 4 4/12 = 1/3
Draw a yellow marble 2 2/12 = 1/6
Whole 12 1

This instance showcases the sensible utility of multiplying and dividing fractions in chance, the place we mix the chances of particular person outcomes to find out the probability of a particular occasion.

Drawback-Fixing Strategies for Multiplying and Dividing Fractions with In contrast to Denominators

10. Discovering the Least Frequent A number of (LCM)

To multiply or divide fractions with in contrast to denominators, you have to discover a frequent denominator, which is the least frequent a number of (LCM) of the denominators. The LCM is the smallest constructive integer that’s divisible by each denominators.

There are two strategies for locating the LCM:

a. Prime Factorization Methodology:

  • Issue every denominator into its prime elements.
  • Multiply the very best energy of every prime issue that seems in any of the factorizations.

b. Frequent Elements Methodology:

  • Divide every denominator by its smallest prime issue.
  • Pair up the elements which can be frequent to the denominators.
  • Multiply the elements from every pair.
  • Repeat steps till no extra frequent elements may be discovered.

For instance, to search out the LCM of 6 and 10:

Denominator Prime Factorization LCM
6 2 × 3 6
10 2 × 5 30

The LCM of 6 and 10 is 30 as a result of it’s the smallest constructive integer divisible by each 6 and 10.

How To Multiply And Divide Fractions With In contrast to Denominators

Multiplying and dividing fractions with in contrast to denominators is usually a tough job, however it’s a necessary ability for any math pupil. This is a step-by-step information that can assist you grasp the method:

Step 1: Discover a frequent denominator. The frequent denominator is the least frequent a number of (LCM) of the denominators of the 2 fractions. To seek out the LCM, record the multiples of every denominator and discover the smallest quantity that seems on each lists.

Step 2: Multiply the numerators and denominators. After getting the frequent denominator, multiply the numerator of the primary fraction by the denominator of the second fraction, and multiply the denominator of the primary fraction by the numerator of the second fraction.

Step 3: Simplify the fraction. If attainable, simplify the ensuing fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by their biggest frequent issue (GCF).

Instance: Multiply the fractions 1/2 and three/4.

Step 1: Discover a frequent denominator. The LCM of two and 4 is 4.

Step 2: Multiply the numerators and denominators. 1/2 * 3/4 = 3/8.

Step 3: Simplify the fraction. 3/8 is already in easiest kind.

Individuals Additionally Ask

How do you divide fractions with in contrast to denominators?

To divide fractions with in contrast to denominators, merely invert the second fraction and multiply. For instance, to divide 1/2 by 3/4, you’ll invert 3/4 to 4/3 after which multiply: 1/2 * 4/3 = 4/6, which simplifies to 2/3.

Can I add or subtract fractions with in contrast to denominators?

No, you can’t add or subtract fractions with in contrast to denominators. You have to first discover a frequent denominator earlier than performing these operations.

Is multiplying fractions simpler than dividing fractions?

Multiplying fractions is mostly simpler than dividing fractions. It’s because whenever you multiply fractions, you’re basically multiplying the numerators and denominators individually. Whenever you divide fractions, you have to first invert the second fraction after which multiply.