Converting Mixed Numbers to the Simplest Form
In this article, we will explore how to convert the mixed number 7 1/8 x 2 5/6 to its simplest form.
Understanding Mixed Numbers
A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. In this case, we have two mixed numbers: 7 1/8 and 2 5/6. To simplify these numbers, we need to follow some basic rules.
Converting 7 1/8
To convert 7 1/8 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (7) by the denominator (8) and then add the numerator (1):
(7 x 8) + 1 = 57
So, 7 1/8 is equal to 57/8.
Converting 2 5/6
To convert 2 5/6 to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (2) by the denominator (6) and then add the numerator (5):
(2 x 6) + 5 = 17
So, 2 5/6 is equal to 17/6.
Multiplying the Fractions
Now that we have converted both mixed numbers to improper fractions, we can multiply them:
(57/8) x (17/6) = 969/48
Simplifying the Fraction
To simplify the fraction 969/48, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both numbers.
The GCD of 969 and 48 is 3. So, we can divide both numbers by 3:
969 ÷ 3 = 323 48 ÷ 3 = 16
Therefore, the simplest form of 7 1/8 x 2 5/6 is 323/16.
Conclusion
In this article, we have successfully converted the mixed numbers 7 1/8 and 2 5/6 to their simplest form by following the rules of converting mixed numbers to improper fractions, multiplying fractions, and simplifying fractions. The result is 323/16, which is the simplest form of the given expression.
