Worked example 1
Multiply 2/3 × 4/5.
For fraction multiplication, multiply straight across: 2 × 4 = 8. Multiply bottoms: 3 × 5 = 15. Result: 8/15, already simplified.
Answer: 8/15
Grade 6 Math · Topic 13
Multiplying Fractions
Multiplying fractions is the easiest of the four operations: no common denominator needed. Just multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. To keep numbers small, simplify (cross-cancel) before multiplying.
Lesson alignment: Prerequisite review · 5.NF.B.4 · Take your time. You can return to this lesson whenever you need it.
Explore visually
Multiply fractions with an area model
Shade one fraction in each direction. The overlap shows the product.
Think first: How many small rectangles do you expect the overlap to cover?
Ready? Reveal the model and try your prediction
Swipe horizontally to see the full diagram.
Turn on JavaScript to adjust this model. The examples and practice below work without it.
Follow the worked examples
Read each step, then cover the explanation and see if you can explain why it works.
Worked example 2
Multiply 3/8 × 4/9. Use cross-cancellation.
Before multiplying, cancel common factors to keep the numbers small: 3/8 × 4/9. The 3 and 9 share a factor of 3 (becomes 1/8 × 4/3); 4 and 8 share 4 (becomes 1/2 × 1/3). Now multiply: 1/6.
Answer: 1/6
Try a few on your own
Work these on paper first. Open “Check” when you are ready to compare your answer.
- 1/2 × 3/5 =
Check
3/10
- 2/3 × 5/6 =
Check
5/9
- 4/7 × 3/8 =
Check
3/14
- 5/6 × 2/9 =
Check
5/27
- 3/4 × 8/9 =
Check
2/3
- 7/10 × 5/14 =
Check
1/4
- 6/11 × 2/3 =
Check
4/11
- 9/16 × 4/15 =
Check
3/20
Try this situation 1
A garden is 3/4 acre. Tomatoes are planted on 2/5 of it. How many acres are planted with tomatoes?
Show a worked solution
Answer: 3/10 acre.
Start by writing the calculation clearly: 3/4 × 2/5. Now cancel 2 and 4: 3/2 × 1/5 = 3/10.
Try this situation 2
Ella has 5/6 of a chocolate bar. She gives 3/5 of what she has to her brother. How much of a full bar does her brother get?
Show a worked solution
Answer: 1/2 bar.
Start by writing the calculation clearly: 5/6 × 3/5. Now cancel 5: 1/6 × 3/1 = 3/6 = 1/2.
Fresh questions · saved on this device
Practice this skill
Try a fresh set each time. Answer one question, check your thinking, and read the explanation. If you miss one, return to the visual model and try another round.
Question 1 of 50 correct so far
Session complete
Check what you learned
Answer these five questions on your own. You can review the explanations after you submit and try again whenever you like. This short check is for practice, not a grade.
Practice and finish
Try the linked topic quiz for more practice. If something is tricky, return to the example and look for the step that changes the numbers or representation.
Your checkmark, skill-practice sessions, and best exit-check score are saved on this browser and device. The course page can download a progress report to share with a tutor or teacher.
More Grade 6 resources
Use these free materials if you want another explanation, extra paper practice, or a broader review.