Multiply Fractions: Calculate 3/4 × 1/2 Step-by-Step

Fraction Multiplication with Standard Form

34×12= \frac{3}{4}\times\frac{1}{2}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We'll make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:06 Let's calculate the multiplications
00:09 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

34×12= \frac{3}{4}\times\frac{1}{2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Multiply the numerators of the fractions.
  • Step 2: Multiply the denominators of the fractions.
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction if needed.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The fractions are given as 34 \frac{3}{4} and 12 \frac{1}{2} . Multiplying the numerators, we get:

3×1=3 3 \times 1 = 3

Step 2: Next, multiply the denominators:

4×2=8 4 \times 2 = 8

Step 3: Combine these results to write the product of the fractions:

34×12=3×14×2=38\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3 \times 1}{4 \times 2} = \frac{3}{8}

The resulting fraction 38 \frac{3}{8} is already in its simplest form, so no further simplification is necessary.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 38 \frac{3}{8} .

3

Final Answer

38 \frac{3}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Multiply numerators together and denominators together
  • Technique: Calculate 3 × 1 = 3 and 4 × 2 = 8
  • Check: Verify 38 \frac{3}{8} is in simplest form ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding numerators and denominators instead of multiplying
    Don't add to get 3+14+2=46 \frac{3+1}{4+2} = \frac{4}{6} = wrong answer! This treats fractions like addition. Always multiply straight across: numerator × numerator, denominator × denominator.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I multiply straight across instead of finding a common denominator?

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Multiplication is different from addition! When multiplying fractions, you don't need common denominators. Just multiply numerators together and denominators together - it's that simple!

How do I know if my answer needs to be simplified?

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Check if the numerator and denominator share any common factors. Since 3 and 8 don't share any factors besides 1, 38 \frac{3}{8} is already simplified!

What if I get a fraction bigger than 1?

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That's normal! If your numerator is larger than your denominator, you can leave it as an improper fraction or convert to a mixed number if needed.

Can I use cross multiplication here?

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No - cross multiplication is for solving equations like ab=cd \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} . For multiplying fractions, always multiply straight across!

What's the easiest way to remember this?

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Think: "Top times top, bottom times bottom" - that's all there is to multiplying fractions! No common denominators needed.

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