Student: I understand how to add and subtract fractions, but multiplying and dividing seems different. How is it done? Mentor: We'll start with multiplying. It is a little bit more straight-forward. Simply multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. To solve 2/3 x 3/4 multiply the numerators 2 and 3 (which will be 6) and then the denominators 3 and 4 (which will be 12) so 2/3 x 3/4 = 6/12 Student: And I already learned that I can reduce that fraction to 1/2 by dividing both numbers by 6. How does it work when I divide numbers?
Mentor: Let's try it with the problem 2/7 divided by 2/5.
Step 1: 2/7 divided by 2/5 Student: OK, so 2/7 divided by 2/5 equals 5/7. Mentor: That's right. Now try this one: 1/3 divided by 6/7.
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