Eli5 What really is a fraction TIMES a fraction?! It makes NO sense.

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I am reteaching myself math, but something is bugging me soooo bad and I can’t find the answer. What is a real life example of multiplying a fraction by a fraction? I was wondering why .05 to the 5th exponent would get smaller not bigger. This is driving me bonkers.

Sure 1/2 makes sense, but how about 1/2 times 3/5 in real life?!?

Edit: OMFG. Math is cool and makes sense. Finally, I’m 28. Thank you all!!!!

Edit: I was given an AP Scholar award, but it was not for math.

* * * The best explanation goes to the person who explained “times” and “of” were synonomous!!!! * * *

NOW EXPLAIN THIS: How am I in the 99.9th percentile for arithmetic, but suck at math?! Do I have potential? Am I still gifted in “math” or are math and arithmetic too separate things. A professor told me they are different parts of the brain.

In: Mathematics

38 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

If I start with a whole pie and cut it in half I’d get 1/2 of a pie.

Now read this and every time I say cut think multiply.

If I start with a whole pie (1) and cut (multiply) it in half (1/2) I’d get 1/2 of a pie. 1 x 1/2 = 1/2

Now let’s try this with 1/2 x 1/2.

If start with a half of a pie and cut it in half I’d get 1/4 of a pie.

If I start with a half of a pie (1/2) and cut (multiply) it in half (1/2) I’d get 1/4 of a pie.

Multiplying Fractions are hard to visualize because you’d think multiplying makes it bigger.

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