Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/3 x 2 1/2
Multiplying mixed numbers can seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward. Here's how to multiply 1 1/3 x 2 1/2 and express the answer as a fraction:
Step 1: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.
- 1 1/3 becomes (1 x 3 + 1) / 3 = 4/3
- 2 1/2 becomes (2 x 2 + 1) / 2 = 5/2
Step 2: Multiply the numerators and the denominators.
- (4/3) x (5/2) = (4 x 5) / (3 x 2) = 20/6
Step 3: Simplify the fraction.
- 20/6 can be simplified to 10/3.
Step 4: Optionally convert back to a mixed number.
- 10/3 is equivalent to 3 1/3.
Therefore, 1 1/3 x 2 1/2 = 10/3 or 3 1/3.