Basic Math & Pre-Algebra For Dummies
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There's no direct method for multiplying and dividing mixed numbers. The only way is to convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions and multiply or divide as usual. Here's how to multiply or divide mixed numbers.

For example, suppose you want to multiply 1-3/5 by 2-1/3.

  1. Convert all mixed numbers to improper fractions.

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  2. Multiply these improper fractions.

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  3. If the answer is an improper fraction, convert it back to a mixed number.

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    In this case, the answer is already in lowest terms, so you don't have to reduce it.

As a second example, suppose you want to divide 3-2/3 by 1-4/7.

  1. Convert to improper fractions.

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  2. Divide these improper fractions.

    Divide fractions by multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second:

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    In this case, before you multiply, you can cancel out factors of 11 in the numerator and denominator:

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  3. Convert the answer to a mixed number.

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About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

Mark Zegarelli is a professional writer with degrees in both English and Math from Rutgers University. He has earned his living for many years writing vast quantities of logic puzzles, a hefty chunk of software documentation, and the occasional book or film review. Along the way, he’s also paid a few bills doing housecleaning, decorative painting, and (for ten hours) retail sales. He likes writing best, though.

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