Multiply. Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number. \( 3 \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \frac{7}{8}= \) Submit

To multiply the mixed numbers \( 3 \frac{1}{2} \) and \( 5 \frac{7}{8} \), follow these steps: 1. **Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions:** - \( 3 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{7}{2} \) - \( 5 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{5 \times 8 + 7}{8} = \frac{47}{8} \) 2. **Multiply the Improper Fractions:** \[ \frac{7}{2} \times \frac{47}{8} = \frac{7 \times 47}{2 \times 8} = \frac{329}{16} \] 3. **Convert the Improper Fraction to a Mixed Number (if desired):** - Divide 329 by 16: - \( 16 \times 20 = 320 \) - Remainder: \( 329 - 320 = 9 \) - So, \( \frac{329}{16} = 20 \frac{9}{16} \) **Final Answer:** \[ 3 \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \frac{7}{8} = \frac{329}{16} \quad \text{or} \quad 20 \frac{9}{16} \]