Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/2 x 1 3/4
Multiplying mixed numbers can seem intimidating, but it's actually quite straightforward. Here's how to find the product of 1 1/2 x 1 3/4 as a fraction:
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
- 1 1/2: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (2) and add the numerator (1). This gives you 3. Keep the same denominator (2). So, 1 1/2 becomes 3/2.
- 1 3/4: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (4) and add the numerator (3). This gives you 7. Keep the same denominator (4). So, 1 3/4 becomes 7/4.
Step 2: Multiply the Fractions
Now, we have (3/2) x (7/4). To multiply fractions, simply multiply the numerators and the denominators:
- (3 x 7) / (2 x 4) = 21/8
Step 3: Simplify (if possible)
The fraction 21/8 is an improper fraction (the numerator is larger than the denominator). We can simplify it by converting it back to a mixed number:
- Divide the numerator (21) by the denominator (8). This gives us 2 with a remainder of 5.
- The whole number part of our mixed number is 2. The remainder (5) becomes the numerator, and the denominator remains the same (8).
Therefore, 1 1/2 x 1 3/4 = 2 5/8.