Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/2 x 1 1/3
Multiplying mixed numbers can seem tricky, but it's actually quite simple. Let's break down how to solve 1 1/2 x 1 1/3.
Converting to Improper Fractions
The first step is to convert our mixed numbers into improper fractions.
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1 1/2: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (2), and add the numerator (1). This gives us 3. Keep the same denominator (2). So, 1 1/2 is equivalent to 3/2.
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1 1/3: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (3), and add the numerator (1). This gives us 4. Keep the same denominator (3). So, 1 1/3 is equivalent to 4/3.
Multiplying Fractions
Now that we have improper fractions, we can multiply them:
(3/2) x (4/3)
To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators and the denominators:
(3 x 4) / (2 x 3)
This simplifies to 12/6.
Simplifying to a Mixed Number
Finally, we need to simplify the improper fraction back into a mixed number.
- 12/6 simplifies to 2.
Therefore, 1 1/2 x 1 1/3 = 2.