Arithmetic Grade Five

Lesson One Hundred and Three: Multiplying and Reducing Fractions

In this lesson we will reduce the answers we get when multiplying fractions (if necessary). Consider the following example: 


	3/4 * 1/3 = 3/12
	
	We know that 3/12 can be reduced since both
	the numerator and the denominator are divisible
	by three.

	3 divided by 3 = 1.
	12 divided by 3 = 4.
	So, 3/12 = 1/4
A fraction is reducible if the numerator and the denominator have common factors. In fact, you can use the greatest common factor (GCF) to reduce a fraction to its most reduced form. Here are some examples: 

	FRACTION	GCF		REDUCED FRACTION

	  3/9		 3		  1/3
	  4/20		 4		  1/5
	  10/15		 5		  2/3
	  20/30		 10		  2/3
	  12/16		 4		  3/4

Now you get to try a few for yourself.

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