Multiplying Mixed Numbers

The past two days we have been learning to multiply positive and negative mixed numbers.  The students found this to be easier than expected.

To multiply mixed numbers you first must change each number in the problem to a fraction.  If you have a mixed number you use the "Popcorn Method" to change it to a fraction.

If the number is a whole number you just put a 1 as the denominator.  Once you have fractions you multiply the numerators together and then the denominators and simplify your answer.

In this example we simplified our answer by dividing 195 by 20.  The second way we simplified we looked for what 15 and 20 had in common and divided by the common factor.  The students learned that there is a 3rd way to simplify.  You can simplify the problem before you multiply.