Multiplying MIXED Fractions

This week, I'm focusing on multiplying mixed fractions. We've already gone over how to multiply regular fractions -- but mixed fractions require an extra step and can be difficult for students to grasp. Plus...as a elementary student learning about fractions...mixed fractions can look and feel intimidating! But fear not, because the process is quite straightforward and easy to perfect with some practice!

In order to reteach myself this concept, I went over to MathisFun.com. This website has been a great resource for me while trying to familiarize myself with fractions, and has provided really useful tips on how to best teach fractions to young students.

In order to multiply mixed fractions, there are three steps. See below:
1) Convert to an improper fraction (see my previous post to learn how to do this)
2) Multiply the fractions
3) Convert the result back to mixed fractions

Let's try an example!

Problem 1: Multiply 1 3/8 x 3 and convert your answer back to a mixed fraction at the end.

Ok, so the first thing that we need to do per the aforementioned instructions is to convert the mixed fraction into an improper fraction. 1 3/8 is equivalent to 11/8. A quick way to do this is to add the numerator and denominator (again, more detailed instructions for this can be found in my previous post). The problem should now read, 11/8 x 3. Once you multiple 11/8 x 3, you get 33/8 -- and now all that is left to do is to convert that improper fraction back into a mixed fraction which is 4 1/8.

See below illustration MathisFun to better understand this problem in a visual format.

Here's another example using two mixed numbers! Same concept but this time, both fractions need to be converted into improper fractions first, and then you can proceed with multiplying.

Lastly, the example below shows the step-by-step calculations required to multiply mixed fractions. Once students become familiar with multiplying mixed fractions, they may not need to visualize it every time (such as in the pizza pie illustration above). They can simply write it out and follow the steps included at the beginning of this post. See below:

In an effort to really perfect this topic, I did about 15 examples on my own. I found this resource to be very helpful in finding problem sets and providing answers / explanations. Check it out! There are tons of worksheets for students and teachers to use. The website covers a variety of mathematical topics and serves as a great educational resource!