What is the first step to multiply two fractions?

What is the first step to multiply two fractions?

• A. Multiply the denominators by each other
• B. Multiply the numerators by each other
• C. Add the fractions together
• D. Divide the numerators by the denominators

Answer: (B)

When multiplying two fractions, the first step is to multiply the numerators by each other. This process involves taking the top numbers of each fraction and multiplying them together to find the new numerator of the resulting fraction. For instance, if you have the fractions \( \frac{a}{b} \) and \( \frac{c}{d} \), you would compute \( a \times c \) to get the new numerator. After determining the new numerator, the next step is to multiply the denominators together to find the new denominator. Therefore, understanding that the first action involves multiplying the numerators sets the foundation for correctly calculating the product of the fractions. This approach also underscores the essential properties of fraction multiplication, where the operation relies solely on the multiplication of respective parts (numerators and denominators) instead of any addition or division processes present in the incorrect choices.

When multiplying two fractions, the first step is to multiply the numerators by each other. This process involves taking the top numbers of each fraction and multiplying them together to find the new numerator of the resulting fraction. For instance, if you have the fractions ( \frac{a}{b} ) and ( \frac{c}{d} ), you would compute ( a \times c ) to get the new numerator.

After determining the new numerator, the next step is to multiply the denominators together to find the new denominator. Therefore, understanding that the first action involves multiplying the numerators sets the foundation for correctly calculating the product of the fractions.

This approach also underscores the essential properties of fraction multiplication, where the operation relies solely on the multiplication of respective parts (numerators and denominators) instead of any addition or division processes present in the incorrect choices.