Multiply a Fraction by a Fraction

To multiply two fractions, we can use models

Multiplication of fractions property is a property used to multiply fractions by first multiplying the numerators, and then the denominators.
This property can be written as a/b x c/d = (a x c)/(b x d)

Methods to multiply a fraction by a fraction using multiplication of fractions property are:

a) Simplify the product
b) Simplify the factors

For example: Find 1/4 x 2/5
1/4 x 2/5 = (1 x 2)/(4 x 5) = 2/20 = 1/10
Or,
1/4 x 2/5 = 1/2 x 1/5 = (1 x 1)/(2 x 5) = 1/10

When the numerator and denominator of either fraction to be multiplied have a common factor, we can simplify before we multiply