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: \[ 35 \div 2 = 17 \quad \text{remainder } 1 \] This means: \[ \frac{35}{2} = 17 \frac{1}{2} \]

Thus, the final answer is: \[ \boxed{17 \frac{1}{2}} \]