Question

What is the difference between multiplying fractions and cross multiplication?

Answer 1

For Multiplying Fractions

When: This is only when working with a problem involving multiplication between 2 fractions.

How: You simply just multiply the fractions' values straight across.

(numerator x numerator AND denominator x denominator)

For Cross Multiplication

When: Trying to solve for an equation and there's an equal sign between the fractions. (Also, they'd usually want you to solve for x or whatever letter they used for the missing value.)

How: You would usually multiply opposite values within the fraction. (Multiplying the fractions' numerator and denominator by each other.)

NOTE: When solving a problem involving division of fractions, the "Criss Cross Method" is used. However, it appears to have a similar pattern to the cross multiplication method.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Explanation:

Multiplication:

(1/2) x (2/3) = (1 * 2)/(2 * 3) = 2/3

Cross multiplication:

(1/2) = 2/3 = (1 * 3)/(2 * 2) = 3/4