Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 1 1/4 x 2 1/2
Multiplying mixed numbers can seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, it becomes easy! Here's how to solve 1 1/4 x 2 1/2:
1. Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
- 1 1/4: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (4) and add the numerator (1), keeping the same denominator: (1 * 4) + 1 = 5/4
- 2 1/2: Multiply the whole number (2) by the denominator (2) and add the numerator (1), keeping the same denominator: (2 * 2) + 1 = 5/2
2. Multiply the Fractions
- Now that we have improper fractions, we simply multiply the numerators and denominators: (5/4) * (5/2) = (5 * 5) / (4 * 2) = 25/8
3. Simplify to a Mixed Number (Optional)
- 25/8 is an improper fraction because the numerator is larger than the denominator. To convert it to a mixed number:
- Divide the numerator (25) by the denominator (8): 25 / 8 = 3 with a remainder of 1.
- The quotient (3) becomes the whole number part of the mixed number.
- The remainder (1) becomes the numerator of the fraction.
- Keep the original denominator (8): 3 1/8