When finding the value of $$ \frac{-5}{12} \cdot \frac{-1}{3} $$, which step is not necessary?

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When multiplying fractions, certain steps are essential, while others might be redundant depending on the operation. Let's break down the multiplication of $$ \frac{-5}{12} $$ and $$ \frac{-1}{3} $$:

1. **Multiply the Numerators:**
   $$
   (-5) \times (-1) = 5
   $$
   
2. **Multiply the Denominators:**
   $$
   12 \times 3 = 36
   $$
   
3. **Combine the Results:**
   $$
   \frac{5}{36}
   $$
   
4. **Simplify the Fraction (if necessary):**
   In this case, $$ \frac{5}{36} $$ is already in its simplest form.

**Unnecessary Step: Finding a Common Denominator**

When **adding or subtracting** fractions, finding a common denominator is essential. However, when **multiplying** fractions, you simply multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. There's no need to find a common denominator when multiplying.

**Summary:**
The step of finding a common denominator is **not necessary** when multiplying $$ \frac{-5}{12} $$ by $$ \frac{-1}{3} $$.

**Final Answer:**
Determining a common denominator isn’t needed when multiplying the two fractions.
Finding a common denominator is not necessary when multiplying the fractions $$ \frac{-5}{12} $$ and $$ \frac{-1}{3} $$.

When finding the value of \( \frac{-5}{12} \cdot \frac{-1}{3} \), which step is not necessary?

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