Multiply Mixed Numbers

Multiplying Mixed Numbers

You'll remember that a mixed number has a whole number AND a fraction:

1 4/5 3 2/7 14 1/3

Before you can multiply mixed numbers they must be converted to improper fractions.

For example, to convert 2 1/3 to a mixed number, convert the whole number 2 to an equivalent fraction with 3 as the denominator (use the same denominator as the fraction part).

2=6/3

Then add that part to the fraction part, 1/3

2 1/3 = 2 + 1/3 = 6/3 + 1/3 = 7/3

Once mixed numbers are converted to improper fractions they can be multiplied as they were previously, multiply the 2 numerators, then the 2 denominators.

2 1/3 x 2 1/3 = 7/3 x 7/3 = 49/9

The next step is to express the fraction in simplest terms as a mixed number. First determine how many 9s are in 49. There are 5 9s because 5 x 9 = 45, with 4 left over.

49/9 = 5 4/9

Or simply divide 49 by 9.

49 ÷ 9 = 5 with a remainder of 4.

There are 9 parts all together: four whole parts, four 1/3 parts and one 1/9. These can be added together and simplified to find the total: