Understand the difference between proper and improper fractions. Fractions are either in proper or improper form. Proper form is in simplified form and the top number, or numerator, of a proper fraction is always lower than the bottom number, or denominator. Improper form fractions contain a numerator that is higher than the denominator.
Change mixed numbers into improper fractions. When you multiply a fraction problem that contains mixed numbers, you must change the mixed numbers into improper fractions first. To do this, multiply the whole number times the denominator and then add the numerator. For example, if the problem contains a mixed number of 2 2/3, multiply the 2 times the denominator of 3 to get 6 and then add the numerator of 2 to get 8. Place this number over the original denominator of 3 to get 8/3.
Change the other number if needed. If the problem is 2 2/3 times 1 1/2, then convert the second number to an improper fraction using the same method outlined in Step 2. After doing this, the improper fraction is written as 3/2.
Multiply the numerators. When you multiply fractions, always multiply the numerators. In this case, multiply 8 times 3 to get 24.
Multiply the denominators. The denominators are 3 and 2. When multiplied, the answer is 6.
Simplify the answer. The answer so far is 24/6. Never write answers for fraction problems in improper form. Instead, simplify by dividing 24 by 6. The answer is then 4/1 or simply 4.