Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers

To multiply rational numbers: Step 1 - Write the given rational numbers. Step 2 - Multiply the numerator terms present in the rational numbers. Step 3 - Multiply the denominator terms present in the rational numbers. Step 4 - Finally we have to simplify the following terms. To divide rational numbers: Step 1 - Replace the second rational by its reciprocal. Step 2 - Multiply the first rational with the reciprocal of the second rational number obtained by step 1. Step 3 - Simplify the result. Check this video for an example: Remember: When multiplying or dividing rational numbers, follow the rules for multiplying or dividing positive and negative integers. Rule1: If both the rational numbers are of same signs are divided, then the sign of the resultant will be positive only. Rule2: If both the rational numbers are of different signs are divided, then the sign of the resultant will be negative only. Let's multiply rational numbers! Multiply 2 and 6 Step 1 - Write the given rational numbers. 2 x 6 4 9 Step 2 -Multiply the numerator terms present in the rational numbers. Step 3 -Multiply the denominator terms present in the rational numbers. When you multiply the numerators and denominators, what do you get? 4 8 12 Step 4 -Finally, simplify the terms. What is the simplified form of our answer? 1 1 -2 More practice! Match the following number problems with their correct answers 4 x 7 7 8 x 7 4 -5 x 1 -5 -2 x 5 -5 -2 x 3 -6 Let's divide! Step 1 - Replace the second rational by its reciprocal. 2 6 -6 Step 2 - Multiply the first rational with the reciprocal of the second rational number obtained by step 1. What do we get? -6 -2 6 Step 3 - Simplify the result. What is the simplified form of our answer? -1 3 -3 More practice! Match the following number problems with their answers. -1 ÷ 5 -2 -3 ÷ -10 21 -9 ÷ 2 -9 -1 ÷ -7 4 Multiply and divide rational numbers Click on the link for even more practice on multiplication and division of rational numbers. Limitless Learning!