Multiplying Fractions: 1 1/2 x 3/4
Multiplying fractions can seem intimidating, but it's actually a straightforward process. Let's break down how to multiply 1 1/2 x 3/4 and express the answer as a fraction.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
First, we need to convert the mixed number 1 1/2 to an improper fraction.
- Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (2): 1 x 2 = 2
- Add the numerator (1): 2 + 1 = 3
- Keep the same denominator (2): 3/2
Now our problem looks like this: 3/2 x 3/4
Step 2: Multiply the Numerators and Denominators
To multiply fractions, we simply multiply the numerators and the denominators:
- Numerators: 3 x 3 = 9
- Denominators: 2 x 4 = 8
This gives us 9/8
Step 3: Simplify (if possible)
The fraction 9/8 is an improper fraction because the numerator is larger than the denominator. We can simplify this into a mixed number:
- Divide the numerator (9) by the denominator (8): 9 ÷ 8 = 1 with a remainder of 1
- The quotient (1) becomes the whole number of the mixed number
- The remainder (1) becomes the numerator of the fraction
- Keep the same denominator (8): 1 1/8
Therefore, 1 1/2 x 3/4 = 1 1/8