Multiplying Fractions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's break down these fraction multiplication problems step by step:
(9)/(16) x (4)/(12)
1. Simplifying Fractions:
Before multiplying, check if we can simplify any fractions. In this case, both (4/12) and (9/16) can be simplified:
- (4/12) simplifies to (1/3) by dividing both numerator and denominator by 4.
- (9/16) remains as it is.
2. Multiplication:
Now we have: (9/16) x (1/3)
To multiply fractions, we simply multiply the numerators and the denominators:
- Numerator: 9 x 1 = 9
- Denominator: 16 x 3 = 48
3. Final Result:
The product of (9/16) and (4/12) is (9/48). This fraction can be further simplified by dividing both numerator and denominator by 3, giving us (3/16).
(9)/(16 x (-3)/(9))
1. Order of Operations:
We need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). This means we perform the multiplication inside the parentheses first.
2. Multiplying Fractions Inside Parentheses:
- Numerator: 16 x -3 = -48
- Denominator: 9 x 1 = 9
3. Result of Parentheses:
The result inside the parentheses is (-48/9).
4. Division of Fractions:
Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of (-48/9) is (9/-48).
Now we have: (9/16) x (9/-48).
5. Simplifying:
Both fractions can be simplified:
- (9/16) remains as it is.
- (9/-48) simplifies to (3/-16) by dividing both numerator and denominator by 3.
6. Multiplication:
Now we have: (9/16) x (3/-16)
Multiplying the numerators and denominators:
- Numerator: 9 x 3 = 27
- Denominator: 16 x -16 = -256
7. Final Result:
The result of (9)/(16 x (-3)/(9)) is (27/-256) or (-27/256).