1 1/2 X 3 2/5

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
1 1/2 X 3 2/5

Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/2 x 3 2/5

This article will guide you through the process of multiplying mixed numbers, using the example of 1 1/2 x 3 2/5.

Understanding Mixed Numbers

Mixed numbers combine a whole number and a fraction. To multiply mixed numbers, we first need to convert them into improper fractions.

Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions

1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction:

  • For 1 1/2, 1 x 2 = 2

2. Add the numerator of the fraction to the result:

  • 2 + 1 = 3

3. Keep the same denominator:

  • The improper fraction for 1 1/2 is 3/2.

4. Repeat the process for the other mixed number:

  • For 3 2/5, 3 x 5 = 15
  • 15 + 2 = 17
  • The improper fraction for 3 2/5 is 17/5.

Multiplying Improper Fractions

Now that we have our improper fractions, we can multiply them like any other fraction:

1. Multiply the numerators:

  • 3 x 17 = 51

2. Multiply the denominators:

  • 2 x 5 = 10

3. Simplify the resulting fraction:

  • 51/10 is an improper fraction. We can convert it back to a mixed number: 51 divided by 10 equals 5 with a remainder of 1. Therefore, the simplified answer is 5 1/10.

Conclusion

Multiplying mixed numbers involves converting them to improper fractions, multiplying the fractions, and then simplifying the result. Following these steps, you can successfully multiply any mixed numbers.

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