Multiplying Mixed Numbers: Finding the Fractional Answer of 1 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 2 1/2
Multiplying mixed numbers can seem daunting at first, but with a simple breakdown, it becomes a breeze. Let's break down the process of multiplying 1 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 2 1/2 and express the answer as a fraction.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
- 1 1/2 becomes 3/2 (Multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator, keeping the same denominator: 1 * 2 + 1 = 3)
- 1 3/4 becomes 7/4
- 2 1/2 becomes 5/2
Step 2: Multiply the Numerators and Denominators
Now that we have improper fractions, we can multiply them as follows:
(3/2) * (7/4) * (5/2) = (3 * 7 * 5) / (2 * 4 * 2) = 105/16
Step 3: Simplify if Possible
The fraction 105/16 is already in its simplest form, as there are no common factors between 105 and 16.
Conclusion
Therefore, the answer to 1 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 2 1/2 expressed as a fraction is 105/16.