Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/2 x 1 1/4
Multiplying mixed numbers might seem tricky, but it's actually a simple process once you understand the steps. Here's how to multiply 1 1/2 x 1 1/4:
1. Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
- 1 1/2: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (2) and add the numerator (1), keeping the same denominator. This gives us (1 x 2) + 1 / 2 = 3/2
- 1 1/4: Do the same: (1 x 4) + 1 / 4 = 5/4
2. Multiply the Numerators and Denominators
Now we have: 3/2 x 5/4
- Multiply the numerators: 3 x 5 = 15
- Multiply the denominators: 2 x 4 = 8
This gives us 15/8
3. Simplify (if possible)
The fraction 15/8 is an improper fraction (the numerator is larger than the denominator). We can convert it to a mixed number:
- Divide 15 by 8, which gives us 1 with a remainder of 7.
- This means 15/8 is equal to 1 7/8.
Therefore, 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 = 1 7/8