Question

What is the product of -2 1/2 and -3 1/3?

Choices:
A: -8 1/3
B: -6 1/6
C: 6 1/6
D: 8 1/3

Answer 1

let's firstly convert the mixed fractions to improper fractions, and then multiply.

`\bf \stackrel{mixed}{2(1)/(2)}\implies \cfrac{2\cdot 2+1}{2}\implies \stackrel{improper}{\cfrac{5}{2}}~\hfill \stackrel{mixed}{3(1)/(3)}\implies \cfrac{3\cdot 3+1}{3}\implies \stackrel{improper}{\cfrac{10}{3}} \\\\[-0.35em] ~\dotfill\\\\ -\cfrac{5}{2}\cdot -\cfrac{10}{3}\implies \cfrac{-5\cdot -10}{2\cdot 3}\implies \cfrac{50}{6}\implies \cfrac{25}{3}\implies 8(1)/(3)`