What is 3 1/3 of 2 1/4

Question

My son had a test which had a few questions wrong. However, it's been a little while since I dealt with this I would appreciate any explanation....

Answer 1

Hi Sarah,

 

What is 3 1/3 of 2 1/4?

 

 

The word "of" in mathematics generally means "multiply".

 

 

Looks like you have mixed numbers.  In order to multiply, we have to change the mixed numbers into improper fractions.  In an improper fraction, the numerator is larger than the denominator.

 

3  1/3   ====> multiply the denominator by the whole number and then add the numerator.

 

So 3 1/3=  10/3

 

2 1/4 = 9/4

 

Now they can be multiplied.

 

10/3  (9/4) =  10(9)    10(3)     5(3)          15

                     ----- =  -----=  ------ =  -------

                      3(4)        4           2            2

 

 

What I did above was reduce the fractions before multiplying.  This is important when you don't have a calculator.  It makes it much easier to multiply and get the final result.

 

 

now if the final answer must be a mixed number then you need to divide the numerator by the denominator.

 

15/2=  7   1/2

 

 

ANSWER:   15/2= 7 1/2

 

We're finished....

Answer 2

Change the mixed numbers to improper fractions and multiply.

(10/3)(9/4)=90/12=7 1/2