what are the steps to multiplying mixed numbers

Unknown008

1. Convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

2. Then, multiply the denominators.

3. Then the numerators.

4. Finally, the answer is what you have in its lowest terms, and in mixed numbers if necessary.

I hope it helped!

elscarta

It is easier if after converting to improper fractions you firstly cancel out common factors between any numerator and denominator pair. This leaves smaller numbers to multiply and saves having to cancel out common factors of larger numbers which are harder to see.

Unknown008

True, elscarta, but since the OP does not know yet (presumably) how to properly multiply the terms, I found it wiser to say multiply them. After some practice and well handling of the problem, then shortcuts can be used

g13544055

Take the fraction of the mixed number, and convert the whole number into this fraction format. IE 3 4/7, here the fraction is sevenths, the whole number is 3, how many sevenths is there in the whole number 1? There are 7, so in the whole number 3, there are 21 sevenths, ie 3=21/7. This converts to 21/7 and 4/7, which = 21/7 + 4/7 = 25/7. Now convert all your mixed numbers to fractions and multiple them, top line with top line (numerators), bottom lines with bottom lines (denominators).

EG.
2 5/9 X 4 5/6
=18/9 5/9 X 24/6 5/6
=23/9 X 29/6
=667/54
=12 29/54