Multiplying Fractions Educational Resources

Multiplying fractions is a great starting place if your child is just starting to learn how to do arithmetic with fractions. This skill is usually taught starting in fourth grade, so if your student has already learned about the different types of fractions, dive into our resources to help them master multiplying fractions before they move on to more complex concepts.

Multiplying fractions is one of the easier tasks to complete because there are not as many rules. Below is a step by step guide in how to multiply proper, improper, and mixed fractions.

General Rules
If both fractions have a numerator and a denominator, the rules are very simple:

1. Multiply the numerators (top numbers)
2. Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers)
3. Simplify if needed

For a refresher on how to multiply numbers, check out our Multiplication page.

Fractions and Whole Numbers
If you are trying to multiply a fraction by a whole number, convert the whole number into a fraction by giving it a denominator of 1 (3 would become ³⁄₁ ), and then follow the general rules of multiplying fractions.

Mixed Fractions
In order to multiply mixed fractions, you will have to know how to convert back and forth between a mixed fraction and improper fraction. If your child needs help with this concept, take a look at Fractions Basics at the bottom of the Fractions page and work through some of the worksheets.

1. Convert the mixed fraction into an improper fraction
2. Multiply the fractions by using the general rules
3. Convert the product back to a mixed fraction

Use these rules to work through the various worksheets and exercises on this page until your child is a professional fraction multiplier!