What is the method for multiplying fractions?

The method for multiplying fractions involves taking the numerator of the first fraction and multiplying it by the numerator of the second fraction to get the new numerator. Similarly, the denominator of the first fraction is multiplied by the denominator of the second fraction to get the new denominator. This process results in a new fraction that represents the product of the two original fractions.

This method works consistently because fractions represent parts of a whole, and when you multiply them, you are essentially finding a fraction of a fraction. For example, if you multiply 1/2 by 3/4, you take 1 times 3 for the new numerator (1 x 3 = 3) and 2 times 4 for the new denominator (2 x 4 = 8), resulting in 3/8.

Understanding this method lays a strong foundation for working with fractions, particularly in more complex mathematical operations.