Fractions in Real-Life: 1 1/2 x 3/4
Fractions are all around us, and understanding how to multiply them is an essential skill in math. In this article, we'll explore the multiplication of two fractions: 1 1/2 and 3/4. Let's dive in and see how it's done!
What are Mixed Numbers?
Before we start multiplying, let's quickly review what mixed numbers are. A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. In our example, 1 1/2 is a mixed number, where 1 is the whole number and 1/2 is the fraction.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To multiply fractions, it's easier to work with improper fractions. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than the denominator. We can convert our mixed numbers to improper fractions by multiplying the whole number part by the denominator and then adding the numerator.
For 1 1/2, we multiply 1 by 2 (the denominator) and add 1, which gives us:
3/2
Now, let's convert 3/4 to an improper fraction. Since it's already a proper fraction, we can leave it as is.
Multiplying Fractions
Now that we have our improper fractions, we can multiply them. To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators (the numbers on top) and multiply the denominators (the numbers on the bottom). Then, we simplify the fraction, if possible.
Multiplication: 3/2 x 3/4
Let's multiply our fractions:
(3 x 3)/(2 x 4) = 9/8
Simplifying the Fraction
In this case, our fraction is already in its simplest form, so we don't need to simplify it further.
Conclusion
And that's it! We've successfully multiplied 1 1/2 and 3/4. Remember, when working with mixed numbers, it's often easier to convert them to improper fractions before multiplying. Practice makes perfect, so try multiplying different fractions to become more comfortable with the process.
