Mathematics ACT Aspire Practice Test

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Study for the Mathematics ACT Aspire Test. Master concepts through a mix of questions. Dive into explanations and hints for a thorough understanding. Elevate your test readiness!

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When multiplying mixed numbers, what is the first step?

Convert them to improper fractions
Leave them as mixed numbers
Convert them to decimals
Add the whole numbers

The correct answer is: Convert them to improper fractions

When multiplying mixed numbers, the first step is to convert them to improper fractions. This is essential because improper fractions are easier to work with in multiplication. A mixed number consists of a whole number and a fraction, and by converting it to an improper fraction, you combine the whole number and the fraction into a single fraction where the numerator is greater than the denominator. This simplifies the process of multiplication since you can directly multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Leaving the mixed numbers as they are complicates the multiplication process, making it more difficult to accurately calculate the product. Converting to decimals can lead to loss of precision and unnecessary complexity in computation, while adding the whole numbers does not provide a method for multiplying the mixed numbers. Therefore, converting them to improper fractions ensures that the multiplication is straightforward and manageable.