Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/2 * 1 1/4
This article will guide you through the steps of multiplying the mixed numbers 1 1/2 and 1 1/4.
Understanding Mixed Numbers
Before we dive into the multiplication, let's quickly review what mixed numbers are. A mixed number combines a whole number with a fraction. For example, 1 1/2 represents one whole and one half.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Fractions
The easiest way to multiply mixed numbers is to convert them into improper fractions. Here's how:
- Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction:
- 1 * 2 = 2
- Add the numerator of the fraction to the result:
- 2 + 1 = 3
- Keep the same denominator:
- The improper fraction for 1 1/2 is 3/2.
Following the same steps, 1 1/4 converts to 5/4.
Multiplying Improper Fractions
Now that we have our improper fractions, we can simply multiply them:
(3/2) * (5/4) = (3 * 5) / (2 * 4) = 15/8
Converting Back to Mixed Number
The answer, 15/8, is an improper fraction. To convert it back to a mixed number, follow these steps:
- Divide the numerator by the denominator:
- 15 ÷ 8 = 1 with a remainder of 7
- The whole number of the mixed number is the quotient:
- The whole number is 1.
- The numerator of the fraction is the remainder:
- The numerator is 7.
- The denominator stays the same:
- The denominator is 8.
Therefore, the answer to 1 1/2 * 1 1/4 is 1 7/8.