Perform the following multiplication. Be sure answers are reduced to lowest terms. (Enter as an improper fraction.)
2 1/2 x 1 3/8 =
2 1/2 = 5/2
1 3/8 = 11/8
(5/2)(11/8) = 55/16 = 3 7/16
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To perform the multiplication of mixed numbers, we can follow these steps:
Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
2 1/2 = (2 * 2 + 1)/2 = 5/2
1 3/8 = (1 * 8 + 3)/8 = 11/8
Step 2: Multiply the two fractions.
(5/2) x (11/8)
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together, and multiply the denominators together:
(5 x 11) / (2 x 8) = 55/16
Step 3: Reduce the fraction to lowest terms.
To reduce the fraction to lowest terms, find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, and divide both by the GCD:
GCD(55, 16) = 1 (since there are no common factors)
55/16 is already in its simplest form.
Therefore, the product of 2 1/2 and 1 3/8 is equal to 55/16.