Multiplying Fractions Word Problems

Concept

The multiplication of fractions is not like the addition or subtraction of fractions, where the denominator should be the same. Here, any two fractions with different denominators can easily be multiplied. The only thing to be kept in mind is that the fractions should not be in the mixed form, they should either be proper fractions or improper fractions.

Rules

1. To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators.
2. The numerator and denominator of either fraction may have common factors. If this is the case, you can simplify it before multiplying.

Example

A container is filled with $\fn_phv {\color{Teal} \frac{2}{3}}$ liters of water. Shawn pours out $\fn_phv {\color{Teal} \frac{1}{5}}$ of the water. How many liters of water did Shawn pour out?

Solution

Multiply the numerators and denominators.
$\fn_phv \frac{2}{3}\times \frac{1}{5}=\frac{2}{15}$
Shawn poured out $\fn_phv {\color{Red} \frac{2}{15}}$ liters of water.

Practice Multiplying Fractions Word Problems

Practice Problem 1

Multiply.
Write in the simplest form.

Practice Problem 2

Lola spent $\fn_phv {\color{Teal} 1\frac{1}{2}}$ hours studying. Rafael spent $\fn_phv {\color{Teal} \frac{3}{4}}$ of the time Lola did studying. How many hours did Rafael spend studying?
Write the solution as a whole number, simplified fraction, or mixed number.

Practice Problem 3

David drinks $\fn_phv {\color{Teal} 8\frac{1}{2}}$ glasses of water a day. How much water does he drink in $\fn_phv {\color{Teal} 3\frac{2}{3}}$ days?
Write the solution as a whole number, simplified fraction, or mixed number.