Understanding 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 as a Fraction
Multiplying mixed numbers can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, it becomes easy! Let's break down how to calculate 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 and express the answer as a fraction.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Fractions
The first step is to convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. Here's how:
- 1 1/4: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (4) and add the numerator (1). This gives us 5. Keep the same denominator (4). So, 1 1/4 becomes 5/4.
- 1 1/4: Follow the same process, resulting in 5/4.
Multiplying the Fractions
Now that we have improper fractions, we can multiply them:
- (5/4) x (5/4) = 25/16
Simplifying the Fraction
The fraction 25/16 is an improper fraction because the numerator is larger than the denominator. To simplify, we can convert it to a mixed number:
- 25/16 = 1 9/16
Therefore, 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 is equal to 1 9/16.
Key Points to Remember
- Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions is crucial for multiplication.
- Multiplying fractions involves multiplying the numerators and the denominators.
- Simplifying improper fractions results in a mixed number.
By following these steps, you can confidently multiply mixed numbers and express the answer as a fraction.