1. What is Fraction Multiplication?

Fraction multiplication is a mathematical operation that combines two fractions to produce a new fraction. Unlike addition, fractions are multiplied by multiplying the numerators together and the denominators together.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fraction multiplication formula:

Where:

• \( a \) — Numerator of first fraction
• \( b \) — Denominator of first fraction
• \( c \) — Numerator of second fraction
• \( d \) — Denominator of second fraction

Explanation: The product of two fractions is obtained by multiplying the numerators to get the new numerator and multiplying the denominators to get the new denominator. The result is then simplified if possible.

3. Importance of Fraction Multiplication

Details: Fraction multiplication is fundamental in mathematics and has applications in scaling recipes, calculating probabilities, determining areas, and solving many real-world problems involving ratios and proportions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the numerator and denominator for both fractions. All denominators must be non-zero. The calculator will show the product in both unsimplified and simplified forms (if simplification is possible).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I multiply more than two fractions?
A: Yes, the same rule applies - multiply all numerators together and all denominators together, then simplify.

Q2: What if one denominator is zero?
A: Division by zero is undefined, so the calculator requires all denominators to be non-zero.

Q3: How is the fraction simplified?
A: The calculator finds the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and divides both by it.

Q4: Can I use negative numbers?
A: Yes, the calculator handles negative fractions. A negative divided by a negative gives a positive result.

Q5: What about mixed numbers?
A: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first (e.g., 2½ becomes 5/2).