Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) Complete Practice Test 2025

The first step in multiplying mixed numbers is to convert them to improper fractions. This is important because improper fractions are easier to work with when performing multiplication. A mixed number consists of a whole number and a fraction, and to accurately combine these components for multiplication, it is necessary to express the entire value as a single fraction. By converting a mixed number into an improper fraction, you ensure that the entire numerical value is represented correctly, which facilitates straightforward multiplication with other fractions.

In this process, after converting each mixed number to an improper fraction, you can multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. This method preserves the value of the original mixed numbers and allows for precise calculations. After the multiplication, the resulting fraction can be converted back to a mixed number if necessary.

Other options, such as summing the whole numbers or multiplying the whole numbers, do not provide the correct framework for handling mixed numbers as multiplication operations. Finding a common denominator is typically relevant in addition or subtraction of fractions rather than in multiplication. Thus, converting to improper fractions is essential for accurate computation when working with mixed numbers in multiplication.