Multiplying Mixed Fractions or (Mixed Numbers)

Are you working on multiplying mixed fractions and have no idea where to start? I know that looking at these mixed numbers and trying to figure out the first step can be very confusing.

If you can multiply fractions, then you can multiply mixed numbers. There's only one more step that you must complete at the beginning of the problem in order to multiply mixed fractions.

Let's first take a look at the steps.

Steps for Multiplying Mixed Numbers

  • Rewrite the mixed numbers as improper fractions.

  • Simplify within the problem if necessary.

  • Multiply the numerators.

  • Multiply the denominators.

  • Rewrite the answer as a mixed number if needed. Always check to make sure that your fractions are in simplest form.

So, as you can see from the list of steps above, the only "new" step is to first change the mixed numbers to improper fractions.

You may want to review the lesson on rewriting improper fractions as mixed numbers.

OK... let's see it in action!

Example 1 - Multiplying Mixed Fractions

Steps for multiplying mixed fractions

That was pretty easy, right? Nothing to it, once you rewrite mixed numbers as improper fractions.

Let's take a look at one more example, and for this example we will simplify within the problem so that we don't have to simplify at the end of the problem.

Example 2

Multiplying mixed numbers step by step

I know these types of problems can be confusing, especially if you are not proficient with rewriting mixed fractions and improper fractions.

If you want to hear this problem explained, watch the video below.

I hope these examples and videos have helped you to understand how to multiply mixed fractions.

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