Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers

3 X 1 7

45

3

Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.

3 = 7 X 3 = 21 + 4 = 25

1 = 5 X 1 = 5 + 3 = 8

7

4

7

25

5

3

5

8

Step 2: Rewrite the problem with the new improper fractions.

7

25X 5

8=

Step 3: Look at cross products and see if you can simplify.

7

255

8 7 and 8 cannot be simplified.

7

255

8 25 and 5 can both be divided by 5. 25 ÷ 5 = 5 and 5 ÷ 5 = 1.

7

5X 1

8

5

1

Step 4: Multiply the numerators.

7

5X1

8=40 5 x 8 = 40

Step 5: Multiply the denominators.

7

5X1

8

7

40 7 x 1 = 7

Step 6: Simplify the product if possible.

• In most cases, you will need to convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number!

7

40 = 5 4075

355

57