Final answer:
To multiply or divide mixed numbers, convert them to improper fractions, simplify if possible, and follow multiplication or division rules for fractions. For division, use the reciprocal of the second fraction. Then, simplify the result and convert back to a mixed number if necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with mixed numbers in multiplication and division of fractions, the correct steps to follow would be option d) Rewrite mixed numbers as improper fractions, follow the above steps for multiplying and dividing. To elaborate, follow these steps:
- Rewrite each mixed number as an improper fraction by multiplying the denominator by the whole number, then adding the numerator, and placing this result over the original denominator.
- Simplify the fractions if possible by dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor.
- For multiplication of fractions, multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator, and multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator.
- For division, use the reciprocal of the second fraction (flip the numerator and denominator), and then multiply the fractions.
- Finally, simplify the result if possible and convert back to a mixed number if the answer is improper.
For example, let's say we want to multiply 1 2/3 by 4 5/6. First, we'd convert to improper fractions: 1 2/3 becomes 5/3, and 4 5/6 becomes 29/6. Then, we multiply 5/3 by 29/6 to get 145/18. Lastly, simplifying gives us the answer of 8 1/18. By understanding these steps, students can tackle any multiplication or division problem involving mixed numbers with confidence.