Final answer:
To find the product of 3 and 4 1/5 using the distributive property, first convert the mixed number to an improper fraction (21/5), then multiply 3 by 21, and finally divide the result by 5 to get 12.6 or 12 3/5.
Step-by-step explanation:
To use the distributive property to find the product of 3 and 4 1/5, you need to multiply the whole number by each term in the mixed number separately. Here are the steps to follow:
- First, convert the mixed number to an improper fraction: 4 1/5 = (4×5) + 1 = 20 + 1 = 21/5.
- Then, apply the distributive property by multiplying 3 by each term in the fraction separately: 3 × (21/5) = (3×21) / 5.
- Multiply the numerators: 3×21 = 63.
- Finally, divide by the denominator: 63 / 5 = 12.6 or 12 3/5.
Hence, the product of 3 and 4 1/5 is 12.6 or 12 3/5.