Question

multiply: $5 \times \frac{1}{3}$ provide an answer as a simplified fraction or mixed number.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall multiplication of integer and fraction

To multiply an integer by a fraction, we can write the integer as a fraction with denominator 1, then multiply the numerators and the denominators. So, \(5\) can be written as \(\frac{5}{1}\).

Step2: Multiply the fractions

Now, multiply \(\frac{5}{1}\) and \(\frac{1}{3}\). The formula for multiplying fractions \(\frac{a}{b}\times\frac{c}{d}=\frac{a\times c}{b\times d}\). Here, \(a = 5\), \(b = 1\), \(c = 1\), \(d = 3\). So, \(\frac{5}{1}\times\frac{1}{3}=\frac{5\times1}{1\times3}=\frac{5}{3}\).

Step3: Convert to mixed number (optional, but let's check)

To convert \(\frac{5}{3}\) to a mixed number, we divide 5 by 3. 3 goes into 5 once with a remainder of 2. So, \(\frac{5}{3}=1\frac{2}{3}\). But the problem says we can provide a simplified fraction or mixed number. Both \(\frac{5}{3}\) (simplified fraction) and \(1\frac{2}{3}\) (mixed number) are correct, but let's see which is more appropriate. Since \(\frac{5}{3}\) is already a simplified fraction, or as a mixed number \(1\frac{2}{3}\). But let's check the multiplication again. Wait, \(5\times\frac{1}{3}\) is indeed \(\frac{5}{3}\) or \(1\frac{2}{3}\).

Answer:

\(\frac{5}{3}\) (or \(1\frac{2}{3}\))