Consider the image in Figure 4.5, where the vertical lines divide the rectangular region into three equal pieces. If we shade one of the three equal pieces, the shaded area represents 1/3 of the whole rectangular region.
We’d like to visualize taking 1/2 of 1/3. To do that, we draw an additional horizontal line which divides the shaded region in half horizontally. This is shown in Figure 4.6. The shaded region that represented 1/3 is now divided into two smaller rectangular regions, one of which is shaded with a different color. This region represents 1/2 of 1/3.
Next, extend the horizontal line the full width of the rectangular region, as shown in Figure 4.7.
Note that drawing the horizontal line, coupled with the three original vertical lines, has succeeded in dividing the full rectangular region into six smaller but equal pieces, only one of which (the one representing 1/2 of 1/3) is shaded in a new color. Hence, this newly shaded piece represents 1/6 of the whole region. The conclusion of our visual argument is the fact that 1/2 of 1/3 equals 1/6. In symbols,
Create a visual argument showing that 1/3 of 2/5 is 2/15.
Solution
First, divide a rectangular region into five equal pieces and shade two of them. This represents the fraction 2/5.
Next, draw two horizontal lines that divide the shaded region into three equal pieces and shade 1 of the three equal pieces. This represents taking 1/3 of 2/5.
Next, extend the horizontal lines the full width of the region and return the original vertical line from the first image.
Note that the three horizontal lines, coupled with the five original vertical lines, have succeeded in dividing the whole region into 15 smaller but equal pieces, only two of which (the ones representing 1/3 of 2/5) are shaded in the new color. Hence, this newly shaded piece represents 2/15 of the whole region. The conclusion of this visual argument is the fact that 1/3 of 2/5 equals 2/15. In symbols,
Create a visual argument showing that 1/2 of 1/4 is 1/8.
Answer
Diagram:
Multiplication Rule
In Figure 4.7, we saw that 1/2 of 1/3 equals 1/6. Note what happens when we multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators of the fractions 1/2 and 1/3.
Could this be coincidence or luck? Let’s try that again with the fractions from Example 1, where we saw that 1/3 of 2/5 equals 2/15. Again, multiply the numerators and denominators of 1/3 and 2/5.
There are a number of difficulties with this approach. First, you have to multiply large numbers, and secondly, you have to prime factor the even larger results.
One possible workaround is to not bother multiplying numerators and denominators, leaving them in factored form.
Now we can cancel common factors. Parentheses are no longer needed in the numerator and denominator because both contain a product of prime factors, so order and grouping do not matter.
Note that this yields exactly the same result, 7/2.
Cancellation Rule
When multiplying fractions, cancel common factors according to the following rule: “Cancel a factor in a numerator for an identical factor in a denominator.”
Example 6
Find the product of 14/15 and 30/140.
Solution
Multiply numerators and multiply denominators. Prime factor, cancel common factors, then multiply.
Note: Everything in the numerator cancels because you’ve divided the numerator by itself. Hence, the answer has a 1 in its numerator.
Exercise
Multiply:
\[ \frac{6}{35} \cdot \frac{70}{36}\nonumber \]
Answer
\(\frac{1}{3}\)
When Everything Cancels
When all the factors in the numerator cancel, this means that you are dividing the numerator by itself. Hence, you are left with a 1 in the numerator. The same rule applies to the denominator. If everything in the denominator cancels, you’re left with a 1 in the denominator.
Area of a Triangle
A triangle having base b and height h has area A = (1/2)bh. That is, to find the area of a triangle, take one-half the product of the base and height.
Example 9
Find the area of the triangle pictured below.
Solution
To find the area of the triangle, take one-half the product of the base and height.
\[ \begin{aligned} A = \frac{1}{2} bh ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Area of a triangle formula.}} \\ = \frac{1}{2} (13 \text{ cm}) (6 \text{ cm}) ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Substitute: 13 cm for } b,~ \text{6 cm for } h.} \\ = \frac{78 \text{ cm}^2}{2} ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Multiply numerators; multiply denominators.}} \\ = 39 \text{ cm}^2. ~ & \textcolor{red}{ \text{ Simplify.}} \end{aligned}\nonumber \]
Therefore, the area of the triangle is 39 square centimeters.
Exercise
The base of a triangle measures 15 meters. The height is 12 meters. What is the area of the triangle?
Answer
90 square meters
Exercises
Multiply the fractions and simplify your result.
5. \(\frac{21}{4} \cdot \frac{2}{7}\)
8. \(\frac{−9}{2} \cdot \frac{6}{7}\)
15. \(\frac{2}{15} \cdot \frac{-9}{8}\)
28. \(\frac{-21}{20} \cdot \frac{−20}{21}\)
Find the area of the triangle shown in the figure. (Note: Figures are not drawn to scale.)
63.
65.
67.
69. Weight on the Moon. On the moon, you would only weigh 1/6 of what you weigh on earth. If you weigh 138 pounds on earth, what would your weight on the moon be?