Multiplying Fractions Worksheets

Multiplying fractions a glance

Multiplication of fractions is more straightforward than adding or subtracting fractions, because a common denominator is not required if the question includes different denominators. It is important however that students are confident with equivalent fractions and simplifying fractions.

To multiply two fractions, simply multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. The answer should always be written in its simplest form by cancelling common factors from the numerator and denominator. 

A mixed number (or mixed fraction) has both an integer (whole number) part and a proper fraction part. To multiply mixed numbers we need to convert the mixed number into an improper fraction in its lowest terms before following the steps above.

For fraction multiplication problems involving particularly large numerators and denominators, cross cancelling can be used to reduce the size of the numbers that need to be multiplied. Here we can cancel a common factor from the numerator of the first fraction and the denominator of the second, or vice versa – working in a ‘cross’ to cancel.

Once students have mastered multiplying fractions, they can move on to dividing whole numbers by unit fractions, and then dividing a fraction by another fraction.

Students can then continue their understanding of multiplying fractions with additional number worksheets, for example a percentage worksheet or a rounding worksheet.

For more teaching and learning support on Number our GCSE maths lessons provide step by step support for all GCSE maths concepts.