Summary: Multiplying and Dividing Mixed Numbers and Complex Fractions

Key Concepts

Multiply or divide mixed numbers.
1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
2. Follow the rules for fraction multiplication or division.
3. Simplify if possible.
Simplify a complex fraction.
1. Rewrite the complex fraction as a division problem.
2. Follow the rules for dividing fractions.
3. Simplify if possible.
Placement of negative sign in a fraction.
- For any positive numbers $a$ and $b$ , $\frac{-a}{b}=\frac{a}{-b}=-\frac{a}{b}$ .
Simplify an expression with a fraction bar.
1. Simplify the numerator.
2. Simplify the denominator.
3. Simplify the fraction.

complex fraction: A complex fraction is a fraction in which the numerator or the denominator contains a fraction.