Multiplying 2/3 × 3/4

Pre-Algebra · Axiom Academy

Use an area model to see fraction multiplication as taking a fraction OF a fraction. Multiply . We will draw a single unit square, split it 4 across and 3 down, and use the overlapping shaded region to find the product. Nice work! You multiplied with an area model and confirmed it with the algorithm. Multiplication means "of": is of . The area model shows why the algorithm works: the double-shaded overlap is 6 of the 12 squares, so the product is . The algorithm is simple: multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators — . Because you are taking a part of a part, the product is smaller than either or .

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full Pre-Algebra course.