Multiplying and dividing fractions with unlike denominators is a fundamental mathematical operation that involves finding the product or quotient of two fractions with different bottom numbers. The process requires converting the fractions to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, which is the least common multiple (LCM) of the original denominators.
This operation is significant as it enables us to perform various mathematical calculations, such as comparing fractions, solving proportions, and carrying out arithmetic operations with fractions. It is also essential in real-world applications, such as measuring ingredients in cooking, calculating ratios in science, and determining scale factors in engineering.
