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How to Multiply & Divide Fractions to Higher Terms

Fractions have a numerator --- the top number --- and a denominator --- the bottom number. To move a fraction to higher terms, you need to increase both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction. You can perform this with either multiplication or division. Keep in mind, when dividing a whole number by a whole number, you reduce the first number, but if you divide a whole number by a decimal, then you increase the first number.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine how much higher you want your terms. For example, assume your fraction is 7/8 and you want your terms twice as large.
- 2
  Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the amount you determined you wanted for your higher term. In the example, 7 * 2 = 14 and 8 * 2 = 16, so your new fraction is 14/16.
- 3
  Find the reciprocal of the number you used to reach your higher term. A reciprocal is one divided by a number. In the example, 1 / 2 = 0.5.
- 4
  Divide the numerator and the denominator by your reciprocal. In the example, 7 / 0.5 = 14 and 8 / 0.5 = 16, so your fraction is 14/16.

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