Multiplying fractions is in many ways the easiest of the operations when dealing with fractions. Put simply, there are three steps:

1. multiply the top numbers (the numerators)
2. multiply the bottom numbers (the denominators)
3. simplify the fraction if necessary
   Whilst this is quite easy, the reason why it works is more complex. Children are used to the idea that when a number is multiplied by another number it gets larger – this is not the case with fractions.
   A half multiplied by a half is a quarter. The question can be put in a different way to make this clear:
   What is half of a half?
   Why not take a look at our latest multiplication and division fraction worksheets for Year 6.
   Go to Year 6 Fractions