what is the product of 4 1/2 X 1 1/4

Question

Need help with fractions with a whole number and a fraction

Answer 1

Hi Zian,

 

4 1/2 * 1 1/4

These are mixed fractions. You can convert them to improper fractions by

• first multiplying the denominators
• then adding the product to the numerator
• finally writing the sum as the numerator over the original denominator

When we do this, we get

4 1/2 = (2*4 + 1) / 2 = 9/2

1 1/4 = (4*1 + 1) / 4 = 5/4

 

multiply them

9/2 * 5/4 = 45/8 = 5 5/8 (in mixed form)

Answer 2

Step 1 - Make both fractions mixed numbers.  Multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator; keep the same denominator.

4 1/2 --> 9/2

1 1/4 --> 5/4

 

Step 2 - Multiply the fractions "straight across" (numerator x numerator; denominator x denominator)

9/2*5/4=(9*5)/(2*4)=45/8

 

Step 3 - Simplify and reduce (rewrite as a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator, and write the remainder as the fraction)

45/8=5 5/8