Multiplication of Fractions

The following is a summary of the procedures which should be followed in multiplying simple fractions. The multiplicand is written to the right of the problem identifier. The multiplier is brailled immediately under the multiplicand. A blank line is left under the multiplier. The numbers are multiplied; the result is written as the numerator of the product. The denominators are multiplied; the result is written as the denominator of the product. The product is written in correct Nemeth Code symbols, with an opening fraction indicator, followed by the numerator, followed by the horizontal bar, followed by the denominator, followed by the closing fraction indicator.

If the resultant product requires reducing to lowest terms, the proper procedures are followed. The student should find the largest number which will divide evenly into the numerator and denominator. The result should be brailled following an equals sign. The final answer is brailled under the problem, on the left side of the page.

#13.    3/4        
        8/9        
 
        24/36 = 2/3
 
ans. = 2/3         

If any portion of the multiplication problem is comprised of mixed numbers, those must be converted to improper fractions before the multiplication can take place. Equal signs should be written to the right of the multiplicand and multiplier. The improper fraction equivalents are written to the right of the equals signs. The paper is advanced two lines, leaving a blank line under the multiplier.

The multiplication is then completed. The resultant product is reduced to lowest terms. If it is an improper fraction, it is converted to a mixed number. That final answer is written to the left following the abbreviation, ans., followed by an equals sign.

#14.  2 1/2 = 5/2     
      4 1/6 = 2 5/6   
 
              125/12  
 
125/12 = 10 5/12      
 
ans. = 10 5/12