How would you multiply 1 2/3 and 1/2?

Hi Carmine.

The first thing is usually to simplify the equation

So, you should convert the mixed fraction (1 2/3) to an improper fraction by multiplying the denominator (3) by the whole number (1) and adding the numerator (2) to the answer from your multiplication to give you the new numerator while your denominator remains the same in the improper fraction.

That is; (3 x 1) + 2 = 5 (new numerator)

Hence, the improper fraction is now 5/2

The solution to the question

So, the question becomes:

5/2 x 1/2

To get the answer, you multiply both numerators together and do the same for the denominators.

So, 5/2 x 1/2 = 5 x 1 = 5/4

2 x 2

Therefore, the answer to your question is 5/4.

I hope this helps.

Hi! Firstly you should covert the mixed fraction to an improper/top heavy fraction.

In order to do so, multiply the whole number, not included in the fraction, by the denominator. Then add the numerator.

This would give:

1 x 3 + 2 = 5

From here, the fraction can be rewritten - still with the same denominator, so 3.

5/3

Next, we need to multiply 5/3 by 1/2.

5/3 x 1/2

The numbers on top of the fraction can multiply together, giving 5 x 1 = 5.

And the denominators will also multiply together, giving 3 x 2 = 6.

Lastly, we can rewrite the fraction with the numerator over the denominator - 5/6 - and check to ensure the fraction does not require any simplifying (this example does not).