What Are Mixed Numbers?
Mixed numbers are numbers that have both whole numbers and fractions!
They look like this: 2½ or 3¾. The big number is the whole part, and the fraction is the extra part. When we multiply mixed numbers, we need to change them to improper fractions first.
How to Multiply Mixed Numbers
1️⃣ Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction
2️⃣ Multiply the numerators (top numbers)
3️⃣ Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers)
4️⃣ Simplify your answer (and convert back to mixed number if needed)
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: 2½ × 1⅓
Step 1: Convert to improper fractions
2½ = Show answer 5/2 (because 2 × 2 + 1 = 5)
1⅓ = Show answer 4/3 (because 1 × 3 + 1 = 4)
Step 2: Multiply the fractions: 5/2 × 4/3 = Show answer 20/6
Step 3: Simplify: 20/6 = Show answer 10/3 or 3⅓
Example 2: 3¾ × 2⅖
Step 1: Convert to improper fractions
3¾ = Show answer 15/4 (because 3 × 4 + 3 = 15)
2⅖ = Show answer 12/5 (because 2 × 5 + 2 = 12)
Step 2: Multiply the fractions: 15/4 × 12/5 = Show answer 180/20
Step 3: Simplify: 180/20 = Show answer 9 (because 180 ÷ 20 = 9)
Parent Tips 🌟
- Kitchen Math: Use cooking measurements (like 1½ cups) to create real-world multiplication problems with mixed numbers.
- Visual Help: Draw rectangles divided into parts to show how the multiplication works visually.
- Step Check: Have your child explain each step out loud to reinforce understanding before moving to the next step.