An answer that simplifies
3⁄8 × 4⁄9
- Multiply the numerators (tops): 3 × 4 = 12.
- Multiply the denominators (bottoms): 8 × 9 = 72.
- That gives 12⁄72. Simplify by dividing the top and bottom by 12: 1⁄6.
- So 3⁄8 × 4⁄9 = 1⁄6.
Answer: 1⁄6
Year 6 · Arithmetic skills · Skill 11A
Skill 11A: Multiplying two proper fractions
Multiply two proper fractions and simplify the answer.
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Each file is an editable Word document (.docx) with 25 questions in five columns. It opens in Word, Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice, so you can change questions or add working space before printing.
Download the worksheet Download the answers Generate a new sheet for this skill
Worked examples
Multiplying fractions is simpler than adding them. Multiply the tops, multiply the bottoms, then simplify.
An answer that does not simplify
2⁄5 × 3⁄7
- Multiply the numerators (tops): 2 × 3 = 6.
- Multiply the denominators (bottoms): 5 × 7 = 35.
- That gives 6⁄35. It cannot be simplified.
- So 2⁄5 × 3⁄7 = 6⁄35.
Answer: 6⁄35
Top tips
- No common denominator is needed.
- You can simplify early by cancelling a number from the top of one fraction with a number from the bottom of the other.
- “Of” means the same as ×: a third of a half is ⅓ × ½.
Watch out for
- Multiplying the tops but adding the bottoms.
- Not simplifying fully.
Try some questions
These are from the worksheet. Work each one out, then open it to check.
- 1⁄2 × 1⁄3 =
Show the answer
1⁄6
- 5⁄8 × 3⁄5 =
Show the answer
3⁄8
- 4⁄7 × 5⁄9 =
Show the answer
20⁄63
- 13⁄18 × 11⁄15 =
Show the answer
143⁄270