Section 2.4 Multiplication of Fractions and Applications 123 Multiplying and Simplifying Fractions Multiply the fraction and simplify if possible. Solution: Multiply the numerators. Multiply the denominators. Simplify by first dividing 20 and 420 by 10. Simplify further by dividing 2 and 42 by 2. 4 30 It is often easier to simplify before multiplying. Consider the product from Example 2. 1 2 and 6 share a common factor of 2. 3 4 30 As a general rule, this method is used most often in the text. Multiplying and Simplifying Fractions Multiply and simplify. Solution: 2 1 2 3 7 33 We can simplify further because 2 and 6 share a common factor of 2. 10 18 6 7 7 21 55 11 10 and 55 share a common factor of 5. 18 and 21 share a common factor of 3. 10 18 21 55 10 18 6 21 55 11 10 18 21 55 Example 3 1 21 4 2 30 6 5 1 14 7 4 and 14 share a common factor of 2. 30 and 5 share a common factor of 5. 5 14 4 2 30 6 5 1 14 7 1 21 2 1 42 21 20 420 5 14 4 5 30 14 4 30 5 14 Example 2 Answers 4. 5. 1 5 7 15 Example 2 illustrates a case where the product of fractions must be simplified. Skill Practice Multiply and simplify. 4. 7 20 4 3 Skill Practice Multiply and simplify. 5. 6 25 15 18
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