Multiplying Mixed Numbers with Reducing

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Example 1 Simple Mixed Number Multiplication

1	1		1	1		?	?
	---	x		---	=		---
	4			3			?

First convert 1 and 1/4 to an improper fraction. Do the circle method by multiplying the denomonator 4 by the whole number 1 and add the numerator 1. Then put over the denominator 4. Thus, 1 and 1/4 equals 5/4. Then convert 1 and 1/3 to an improper fraction by the same method. 1 and 1/3 equals 4/3.

	5			4
	---	x		---	=		---
	4			3

The 4 of the first denominator can be reduced or cancelled with the 4 of the second numerator. They will both be changed to 1.

5	x	4/4
---		---	=	---
4/4	x	3

The problem now becomes:

5	x	1		5
---		---	=	---
1	x	3		3

The final answer will be 1 and 2/3 after you have changed your improper fraction to a mixed number by dividing the numerator and denominator.