Multiplying Fractions: 1 1/3 x 5/8
Multiplying fractions can be a bit tricky, but it's actually quite simple once you understand the steps. Let's walk through the process of multiplying 1 1/3 x 5/8 and express the answer as a fraction.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Number to a Fraction
First, we need to convert the mixed number 1 1/3 into an improper fraction.
- Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator of the fraction (3): 1 * 3 = 3
- Add the numerator of the fraction (1): 3 + 1 = 4
- Keep the same denominator (3): 4/3
Now we have 4/3 x 5/8.
Step 2: Multiply the Numerators and Denominators
To multiply fractions, we simply multiply the numerators and the denominators:
- Numerator: 4 x 5 = 20
- Denominator: 3 x 8 = 24
This gives us the fraction 20/24.
Step 3: Simplify the Fraction (Optional)
The fraction 20/24 can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor, which is 4:
- 20 ÷ 4 = 5
- 24 ÷ 4 = 6
Therefore, the simplified answer is 5/6.
Conclusion
The product of 1 1/3 x 5/8 expressed as a fraction is 5/6. Remember, the key is to convert any mixed numbers into improper fractions before multiplying, then multiply the numerators and denominators, and finally simplify the resulting fraction if possible.