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Multiplying fractions by cancelling first worksheets Grades 5–6

Cancel common factors across the fractions before you multiply.

The front of the free multiplying fractions by cancelling first worksheet
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Free · Worked example · 45 problems · Answer key · US Letter

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How to do it

Cancel a numerator with a denominator that shares a factor. Then multiply.

821×914=47×37\dfrac{8}{21} \times \dfrac{9}{14} = \dfrac{4}{7} \times \dfrac{3}{7}cancel: 8 and 14 share 2; 9 and 21 share 3
47×37=1249\dfrac{4}{7} \times \dfrac{3}{7} = \dfrac{12}{49}

Example problems

  1. 932×815=\dfrac{9}{32} \times \dfrac{8}{15} =
  2. 815×1528=\dfrac{8}{15} \times \dfrac{15}{28} =
  3. 316×89=\dfrac{3}{16} \times \dfrac{8}{9} =
  4. 316×815=\dfrac{3}{16} \times \dfrac{8}{15} =

Multiplying and dividing fractions

  1. Multiplying fractions by whole numbers
  2. Multiplying fractions
  3. Multiplying fractions by cancelling first
  4. Multiplying mixed numbers
  5. Reciprocals
  6. Dividing fractions
  7. Dividing mixed numbers and whole numbers
  8. Fractions: all four operations