How do you multiply mixed number?

Answer 1

Some would suggest you just "Turn it into a decimal"

PROBLEM ALERT: Great for 1/4 where 1/4 = 0.25, but what about numbers like 1/3 where the decimal goes on forever 1/3 = 0.333333333333333 --> infinity

Why not follow the old school method?

Lets demonstrate with 2 x 3 3/4 x 5 1/3 = ?

First change all number to their fractional form 2=2/1 , 3 3/4 = 15/4 , 5 1/3 = 16/3

The equation is then 2/1 x 15/4 x 16/3 = ?

The top numbers (numerators) multiplied together are (2x15x16) = 480

The bottom numbers (denominators) multiplied together are (1x4x3) =12

Divide numerator answer by the denominator number to get the answer (240)/(12) = 40

The change it to decimals method would give 39.99975 if 1/3 is assumed to be 0.3333

The cleanest and easiest way is to change each one to an

improper fraction, and then multiply those.

Answer 2

First you have to convert the two numbers into fractions. Example:

13/8 X 3

Change 13/8 to a fraction = so now it's 11/8

Now change the whole number you are multiplying into a fraction = 3/1

Multiply the fractions you just converted = 11/8 X 3/1 = 33/8

You have 33 eights. If you want, now you can convert the 33 eights into 41/8