Multiplying Mixed Numbers: 3 1/2 times 2 1/4 as a Fraction
When dealing with mixed numbers, multiplying them can be a bit tricky. In this article, we'll explore how to multiply 3 1/2 and 2 1/4 as a fraction.
Step 1: Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To multiply mixed numbers, we need to convert them to improper fractions first. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
3 1/2 as an Improper Fraction
3 1/2 can be converted to an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number part (3) by the denominator (2), then adding the numerator (1):
(3 × 2) + 1 = 7
So, 3 1/2 as an improper fraction is:
7/2
2 1/4 as an Improper Fraction
Similarly, we can convert 2 1/4 to an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number part (2) by the denominator (4), then adding the numerator (1):
(2 × 4) + 1 = 9
So, 2 1/4 as an improper fraction is:
9/4
Step 2: Multiply the Improper Fractions
Now that we have converted both mixed numbers to improper fractions, we can multiply them:
(7/2) × (9/4) = ?
To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators (7 and 9) and multiply the denominators (2 and 4), then simplify the result:
(7 × 9) / (2 × 4) = 63/8
The Result: 3 1/2 times 2 1/4 as a Fraction
Therefore, 3 1/2 times 2 1/4 as a fraction is:
63/8
This is the result of multiplying the two mixed numbers. Remember to always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before multiplying them.
