Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/2 x 3 2/3
Multiplying mixed numbers can seem intimidating, but it's actually quite straightforward once you break it down. Let's explore how to multiply 1 1/2 and 3 2/3.
Step 1: Convert to Improper Fractions
The first step is to convert both mixed numbers into 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)/2 = 3/2)
- 3 2/3 becomes 11/3 (Same process: (3 * 3 + 2)/3 = 11/3)
Step 2: Multiply the Fractions
Now that we have improper fractions, we simply multiply the numerators and the denominators.
- (3/2) * (11/3) = (3 * 11) / (2 * 3)
Step 3: Simplify
Finally, we simplify the resulting fraction.
- 33/6 can be simplified to 11/2.
Step 4: Convert Back to a Mixed Number (Optional)
You can leave the answer as an improper fraction (11/2), or you can convert it back to a mixed number:
- 11/2 is equivalent to 5 1/2 (11 divided by 2 is 5 with a remainder of 1).
Conclusion
Therefore, 1 1/2 x 3 2/3 = 11/2 or 5 1/2.
By breaking down the process into simple steps, multiplying mixed numbers becomes much more manageable.