Problem 41 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Perform the indicated operation. Where possible, reduce the answer to its lowest terms. $$\frac{2}{5} \cdot \frac{1}{3}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The result of \(\frac{2}{5} \cdot \frac{1}{3}\) is \(\frac{2}{15}\)

Step 1: Multiply the Numerators

First, we should multiply the numerators (the top number of a fraction) together. So, in this case, we multiply 2 and 1 to get 2.

Step 2: Multiply the Denominators

Then, we multiply the denominators (the bottom number of a fraction) together. That would be 5 and 3 in this instance which multiplicate to 15.

Step 3: Simplify the Fraction

Lastly, we check if the fraction can be simplified to its lowest terms. The fraction \(\frac{2}{15}\) is already in its lowest terms as its numerator (2) and denominator (15) have no common factors other than 1.