3 1/8 x 2 3/5 as a Fraction
In this article, we will explore how to multiply two mixed numbers, 3 1/8 and 2 3/5, and express the result 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 the denominator.
Convert 3 1/8 to an Improper Fraction
3 1/8 = (3 × 8 + 1) / 8 = 25/8
Convert 2 3/5 to an Improper Fraction
2 3/5 = (2 × 5 + 3) / 5 = 13/5
Step 2: Multiply the Improper Fractions
Now that we have converted both mixed numbers to improper fractions, we can multiply them:
(25/8) × (13/5) = ?
To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators (25 and 13) and multiply the denominators (8 and 5), then write the product as a fraction:
(25 × 13) / (8 × 5) = 325/40
Step 3: Simplify the Fraction
We can simplify the fraction 325/40 by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD of 325 and 40 is 5.
(325 ÷ 5) / (40 ÷ 5) = 65/8
Final Answer
3 1/8 × 2 3/5 = 65/8
Therefore, the product of 3 1/8 and 2 3/5 is equal to 65/8 as a fraction.
