1 1/4 x 1 1/2: Understanding Fraction Multiplication
When it comes to multiplying fractions, it can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, it can be a breeze. In this article, we'll take a closer look at multiplying two fractions: 1 1/4 and 1 1/2.
What Does it Mean to Multiply Fractions?
Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review what it means to multiply fractions. When you multiply two fractions, you are essentially multiplying the numerators (the numbers on top) and multiplying the denominators (the numbers on the bottom), and then simplifying the resulting fraction.
Calculating 1 1/4 x 1 1/2
To calculate the product of 1 1/4 and 1 1/2, we need to follow the steps:
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
First, we need to convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:
- 1 1/4 = 5/4
- 1 1/2 = 3/2
Step 2: Multiply the Numerators and Denominators
Now, we multiply the numerators and denominators:
- Numerators: 5 × 3 = 15
- Denominators: 4 × 2 = 8
Step 3: Write the Product as a Fraction
Finally, we write the product as a fraction:
- 15/8
Simplifying the Fraction
The resulting fraction, 15/8, is already in its simplest form. Therefore, the product of 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 is 15/8.
Conclusion
Multiplying fractions can seem daunting, but by following the correct steps, you can easily calculate the product of two fractions. In this case, we calculated the product of 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 to be 15/8.
