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Actually you don't have to - but it's usually simpler that way.Here is the alternative method. Remember that a mixed number, such as 3 1/2, means that you add 3 + 1/2.

To multiply 2 by 3 1/2, you write this as 2 x (3 + 1/2), and use the distributive property, to multiply 2 x 3 + 2 x 1/2.

If you want to multiply two mixed fractions, you can multiply as follows. For example, to multiply 2 1/3 times 5 1/7, you write this as:

(2 + 1/3) x (5 + 1/7), and using the distributive property, you multiply each part on the left by each part on the right: 2 x 5 + 2 x 1/7 + 1/3 x 5 + 1/3 x 1/7

In this case, after multiplying the parts, you also need to convert the fractions to a common denominator in order to add them up. All in all, it becomes fairly complicated.

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8y ago
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8y ago

You don't have to. It just makes it easier to find the right answer.

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Q: Why do you have to change mixed numbers to improper fractions to multiply?
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Related questions

How do you Multiply three or more mixed numbers.?

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


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 can you change mixed numbers to improper fractions?

Multiply the denominator by the whole number, add the numerator and put that total over the denominator.


How do you mutiply a fraction using the volume?

the same way you always multiply fractions. Change mixed numbers into improper fractions, multiply all numerators to get a new numerator, multiply all denominators to get a new denominator, then reduce the fraction.


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.


What are mixed fractions and how do they work?

Mixed Fractions are fractions that have whole numbers and fractions on the side.If you are trying to change them into improper fractions you take the denominator of the fraction and multiply it by the whole number and keep the same numerator. ex.: 2 and one fourth =


Why change mixed numbers to improper fractions?

For addition, subtraction, division and multiplication with other fractions


How do I add improper fractions?

Change them into mixed numbers and add the integers and fractions together ensuring that the fractions have a common denominator.


How do you explain what i need to do if the sum of the mixed numbers includes an improper fraction?

Change the mixed numbers into improper fractions and carry out the calculations accordingly


What do you do when you are dividing a fraction?

When dividing a fraction you leave the first fraction as it is and you change the second fraction into a reciprocal (flip the fraction). Once you have changed the second fraction into a reciprocal, then you would simply *multiply the two fractions together. Once you multiply the two fractions then that would be your final answer. Dont forget to simplify! And remember if the fractions are mixed numbers before you do anything you must change the mixed numbers into improper fractions first! hope this helps! *If you dont know how to multiply fractions then thats a different question


When dividig fractions what do you change a mixed number into?

You change them into improper or topheavy fractions.


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