SOLUTION: How do I solve this problem? (-9 1/2)(-5 7/10)

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: How do I solve this problem? (-9 1/2)(-5 7/10)      Log On


   



Question 816378: How do I solve this problem? (-9 1/2)(-5 7/10)
Answer by LinnW(1048) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First, notice that we are multiplying (-)(-).
This means that our answer will be (+).
So now we need to solve (9 1/2)(5 7/10).
Convert each number to improper form.
%289+%2B+1%2F2%29 = %28+9%2A2+%2B+1%29%2F2 = 19%2F2
%285+%2B+7%2F10%29 = %28+5%2A10+%2B+7%29%2F10 = 57%2F10
Multiplying these together we have
%2819%2F2%29%2A%2857%2F10%29 = 1083%2F20
Convert by dividing by 20
20 goes into 1083 54 times with 3 left over
so 1083%2F20 = 54 3/20