Simplifying Fractions: Understanding 1/4 × 3 × 2
When dealing with fractions, it's essential to have a solid understanding of how to multiply and simplify them. In this article, we'll explore how to simplify the expression 1/4 × 3 × 2.
What is the Meaning of 1/4 × 3 × 2?
The expression 1/4 × 3 × 2 can be interpreted as multiplying a fraction by two integers. To evaluate this expression, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):
- Multiply the fraction 1/4 by 3
- Multiply the result by 2
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Multiply 1/4 by 3
To multiply a fraction by an integer, we can multiply the numerator (1) by the integer (3) and keep the denominator (4) the same:
1/4 × 3 = (1 × 3)/4 = 3/4
Step 2: Multiply 3/4 by 2
Now, we'll multiply the result by 2:
3/4 × 2 = (3 × 2)/4 = 6/4
Simplifying the Fraction
The resulting fraction 6/4 can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 2:
6/4 = (6 ÷ 2)/(4 ÷ 2) = 3/2
Final Answer
The simplified result of the expression 1/4 × 3 × 2 is 3/2.
Remember to always follow the order of operations and simplify your fractions to get the most accurate results.