Multiply. 5 x 3 1/2

Question

Write your answer as a mixed number in simplest form.

Answer 1

To multiply $5$ by $3\frac{1}{2}$, we first convert the mixed number into an improper fraction.

1. Convert $3\frac{1}{2}$: $$3\frac{1}{2}=3+\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3\times 2+1}{2}=\frac{6+1}{2}=\frac{7}{2}$$

2. Now, multiply $5$ by $\frac{7}{2}$: $$5=\frac{5}{1}$$ $$5\times \frac{7}{2}=\frac{5\times 7}{1\times 2}=\frac{35}{2}$$

3. Convert $\frac{35}{2}$ back to a mixed number: $$35÷2=17\text{remainder }1$$ This means: $$\frac{35}{2}=17\frac{1}{2}$$

Thus, the final answer is: $$\boxed{{\displaystyle 17\frac{1}{2}}}$$