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How to Multiply Fractions With Letters

Fractions are pair of numbers that illustrate how a part relates to a whole. For example, the fraction 1/2 means that you have one part out of a possible two parts. You can perform mathematical calculations, such as multiplication, on fractions, just as you can on whole numbers. In some instances, fractions contain letters. These letters, which are called "variables," represent numerical values. You will have to multiply fractions containing letters in algebra courses in high school and college.

Instructions

    • 1

      Write the multiplication sentence. For example, you might have a/b * c/d.

    • 2

      Multiply the numerators of the fractions and the denominators of the fractions. The numerators are the top numbers, and the denominators are the bottom numbers. In this example, you would multiply a*c/b*d.

    • 3

      Place unlike bases that are being multiplied next to each other. As in this example, you would write the answer as ac/bd.

    • 4

      Use exponents when multiplying like bases. Add the exponents of the like bases when multiplying. If a base doesn't have an exponent printed beside it, its exponent is considered to be 1. For example, if you have a/b * a/b, you would write your answer as a^2/b^2. Another example would be x^2/xy * x^2/xy. In this example, you would write the answer as x^4/x^2y^2.

    • 5

      Simplify your answer if possible. In the last example, your answer was x^4/x^2y^2. This answer will simplify to x^2/y^2 (since x^2 will fit into x^4 twice and into itself once).

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