Fractions help
Multiplying fractions
Multiplying fractions is actually simpler than adding them. You do not need to find a common bottom number. You just times across.
What this looks like in the game
You tap a fish and see "Work out 2/3 × 3/5." You drag tiles to build the answer. The game expects a fully simplified fraction.
How to multiply fractions
Times the top numbers together.
Times the bottom numbers together.
Simplify.
Worked example 1 — simple case
Times the top numbers
2 × 3 = 6
Times the bottom numbers
3 × 4 = 12
Simplify 6/12
6 and 12 both divide by 6 → answer: 1/2
Worked example 2 — fraction times a whole number
Write 4 as 4/1
3/5 × 4/1
Top: 3 × 4 = 12 · Bottom: 5 × 1 = 5
12/5 as a mixed number
2 and 2/5
The most common mistake
Watch out for
Trying to find a common bottom number, like you do for adding.
Wrong
2/3 × 3/4 → find common denominator 12 → 8/12 × 9/12 → 72/144. Hard and error-prone.
Right
Just times across: 2 × 3 = 6, 3 × 4 = 12. Then simplify: 6/12 = 1/2.
When you are multiplying, you do not need a common bottom number. That rule is only for adding and taking away.
Which game stage uses this
This is the Multiplying stage. You will see these questions when you reach the lionfish and seahorse.