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Multiplication with Fractions

Multiplying fractions is simple.
Unlike adding and subtracting, where care must be taken to ensure that both fractions have a common denominator.
The multiplication operation has no such requirement.

Method 1

Just multiply the numerators (top numbers) and the denomominators (bottom numbers)
Place the resulting answers in their respective top / bottom location in the answer fraction.
Then reduce the fraction, if possible.

Method 2

Before multiplying the numerators and denominators, look for ways to pre-reduce the fractions, both within each fraction, and across the fractions.

Example 1: Pre-reducing within a fraction

2/4 x 1/5 = ?

First reduce the 2/4 to 1/2
Then multiply the numerators (top numbers), and the denominators (bottom numbers)
Place the resulting answers in their respective top / bottom location in the answer fraction.
Then reduce the fraction, if possible.
2/4 X 1/5 = 1/2 X 1/5 = 1/10

Example 2: Reducing across fractions

6/4 X 1/6

Here we divide the first numerator (6) by the second denominator (6)
Before multiplying the numerators (top numbers), and the denomominators (bottom numbers).
6/4 X 1/6 = 1/4 X 1/1 = 1/4