Why does 13/22 x 7/13 equal to 7/22? I got 91/186 but when I try to simplify I don't end up with that answer.

Question

Why does 13/22 x 7/13 equal to 7/22?  I got 91/186 but when I try to simplify I don't end up with that answer.

anonymous · Answer

$$13/22 \times 7/13 $$

the 13s cancel out so now you have 1/22 x 7/1 giving you 7/22

anonymous · Answer

I think you made a mistake in multiplication. 22*13 = 286.
So, 91/286, when we divide both sides by 13 we get 7/22.

anonymous · Answer

So, if you have two different fractions that share the same numerator and denominator, you are able to cancel them out?

anonymous · Answer

Oh Okay. My mistake.

anonymous · Answer

if you're multiplying yes, you can cancel out ONLY if one is in the numerator and one is in the denominator. you're essentially simplifying the fraction before you multiply. you can do it with numbers that can simplify too.

ex.      2/7 X 5/6     i can make the 2 a 1 and the 6 a 3 because you can divide out a 2 between then

so now i have 1/7 X5/3  giving me 5/21

anonymous · Answer

Oh okay, thank you very much!