Solve (3/2)(3/5) - 1/2: Mixed Fraction Operations

Mixed Operations with Common Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

323512=? \frac{3}{2}\cdot\frac{3}{5}-\frac{1}{2}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:09 Let's solve this problem together!
00:12 Always do multiplication and division before moving on to addition and subtraction.
00:18 Remember, multiply the tops by the tops and the bottoms by the bottoms.
00:23 Now, let's calculate the products.
00:26 We need to find a common denominator by multiplying by five.
00:31 Be sure to multiply both the numerator and the denominator.
00:35 Let's calculate these products now.
00:38 Next, subtract using the common denominator we've found.
00:44 Let's simplify the fraction as much as possible.
00:47 Ensure you divide both the numerator and the denominator.
00:51 And that's our solution! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

323512=? \frac{3}{2}\cdot\frac{3}{5}-\frac{1}{2}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression 323512 \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{5} - \frac{1}{2} , we will follow these steps:

Step 1: Multiply the Fractions
To multiply 32 \frac{3}{2} by 35 \frac{3}{5} , we multiply the numerators and the denominators:

3235=3325=910 \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{5} = \frac{3 \cdot 3}{2 \cdot 5} = \frac{9}{10}

Step 2: Subtract Fractions
Now, subtract 12 \frac{1}{2} from 910 \frac{9}{10} :

  • First, find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 10 and 2 is 10.
  • Convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to have a denominator of 10: 12=1525=510 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \cdot 5}{2 \cdot 5} = \frac{5}{10}
  • Subtract the fractions: 910510=9510=410 \frac{9}{10} - \frac{5}{10} = \frac{9 - 5}{10} = \frac{4}{10}
  • Simplify 410 \frac{4}{10} by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 2: 4÷210÷2=25 \frac{4 \div 2}{10 \div 2} = \frac{2}{5}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 25\frac{2}{5}.

3

Final Answer

25 \frac{2}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order: Always multiply fractions before subtraction (PEMDAS rule)
  • Technique: Find LCD: convert 12 \frac{1}{2} to 510 \frac{5}{10} when subtracting from 910 \frac{9}{10}
  • Check: Verify 910510=410=25 \frac{9}{10} - \frac{5}{10} = \frac{4}{10} = \frac{2}{5} reduces properly ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Subtracting before multiplying fractions
    Don't calculate 3212=1 \frac{3}{2} - \frac{1}{2} = 1 first = completely wrong answer! This ignores order of operations and gives 3 instead of 25 \frac{2}{5} . Always multiply fractions first, then subtract according to PEMDAS.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I multiply the fractions first instead of subtracting?

+

Order of operations (PEMDAS) says multiplication comes before subtraction! You must calculate 3235=910 \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{5} = \frac{9}{10} first, then subtract 12 \frac{1}{2} .

How do I multiply fractions quickly?

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Multiply straight across: numerator × numerator and denominator × denominator. So 3235=3×32×5=910 \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{5} = \frac{3×3}{2×5} = \frac{9}{10} .

What's the easiest way to find a common denominator?

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Look for the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of both denominators. Since 10 is already a multiple of 2, use 10 as your common denominator: 12=510 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{10} .

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

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Yes! Always reduce fractions to lowest terms. 410 \frac{4}{10} simplifies to 25 \frac{2}{5} by dividing both parts by their greatest common factor of 2.

How can I check if my answer is correct?

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Work backwards! Start with 25 \frac{2}{5} , add 12 \frac{1}{2} to get 910 \frac{9}{10} , then see if 910÷35=32 \frac{9}{10} ÷ \frac{3}{5} = \frac{3}{2}

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