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Because, depending how you want to do the multiplication, you might get wrong results.

A mixed number - for example 5 1/3 (five and one-third) should be considered, in this example, as 5 + 1/3 - that is, the whole number 5, plus 1/3. You can treat this as a polynomial and multiply it as such. For example, 2 x 5 1/3 = 2 x (5 + 1/3) = 2 x 5 + 2 x 1/3 = 10 + 2/3 = 10 2/3. If you need to multiply two mixed numbers, you need to multiply each part of one by each part of the other - as is common when multiplying polynomials. Usually it is simpler to convert the fraction to a mixed fraction first. Both methods give you the same answer. In any case, if you think up some method that looks great, but it gives you a DIFFERENT result, then such a method is wrong.

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Q: Why can't you multiply mixed numbers straight across?
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Related questions

When multiplying two mixed numbers what do you do first?

First you change them into improper fractions. Then you multiply the numerator and the denamanator straight across. ;)


How do you divide mixed fractions by mixed fractions?

make each fraction a improper fraction the flip the second fraction and multiply straight across then simplify


How to multiply mixed numbers?

First change the mixed numbers into improper fractions by multiplying the denominator and the whole number and add the product to the numerator in the mixed numbers and then multiply the numerators and the denominators and divide the numerator by the denominator of the product.


How do you multiply fractions with whole numbers and mixed numbers?

The question is ambiguous. Do you want to know how to multiply a fraction by a whole number, as well as by a mixed number? Or are you asking how to multiply a whole number by a mixed number and express the product as a fraction? Or what?


How do you find the area with mixed numbers?

just multiply.


How do you Multiply three or more mixed numbers.?

Convert them to improper fractions and proceed the same way you would multiply two fractions.


How is multiplying mixed numbers different than multiplying fractions?

if you have mixed numbers you make them into improper fractions before you multiply


How do you do area and mixed numbers?

for area you have to multiply the width and the length mixed numbers are say for example 1 2/4 the 1 is what makes it mixed


How do you multiply mixed numbers by fractions?

Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction and proceed normally.


How do you multiply a fraction bye a mixed fraction?

You would have to convert the mixed number into a fraction, or you could convert the fraction into a mixed number. The first one is easier in my opinion. For example: 2 3/4 is 11/4. Converting a fraction into a mixed number is just as easy but it is harder to multiply To multiply a mixed fraction by a fraction you will need to multiply the denominator (the bottom number of a fraction) by the whole number then add the numerator (the top number of a fraction) and that will be your new numerator. Then multiply the two fractions (straight across). Finally put you final answer in simplest form if needed.


What is 3 and 2 eights times 6 and four sevenths?

this is simple. for the multiplication of fractions, you multiply both the Numerator and denominator straight across. first change the mixed numbers to improper fractions 3 2/8---- 26/8 6 4/7---- 46/7 multiply them to get... whatever... and simplify it. if your teacher wants it in mixed number form then do so but it is easier to keep fractions as improper fractions for this reason


How do you multiply 2 mixed numbers?

turn fraction into a improper fraction