Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/2 x 1 1/4
This article will walk you through the steps of multiplying mixed numbers, specifically focusing on the problem 1 1/2 x 1 1/4.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
Before multiplying, it's crucial to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. Here's how:
-
1 1/2: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (2) and then add the numerator (1), keeping the same denominator: (1 * 2 + 1)/2 = 3/2.
-
1 1/4: Follow the same process: (1 * 4 + 1)/4 = 5/4.
Multiplying the Improper Fractions
Now, we multiply the two improper fractions:
(3/2) * (5/4) = (3 * 5) / (2 * 4) = 15/8
Converting Back to a Mixed Number
The answer, 15/8, is an improper fraction. Let's convert it back to a mixed number:
- Divide the numerator (15) by the denominator (8): 15 / 8 = 1 with a remainder of 7.
- The whole number part of the mixed number is the quotient (1).
- The fraction part is the remainder (7) over the original denominator (8): 7/8.
Therefore, the final answer is 1 7/8.
Summary
By converting the mixed numbers to improper fractions, multiplying them, and then converting the result back to a mixed number, we found that 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 = 1 7/8.