To solve the problem of determining how many cans Tom has if he has [tex]\(4 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex] cases of soda, and there are 12 cans in each case, follow these steps:
1. Convert the Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction or Decimal:
- [tex]\(4 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex] as an improper fraction is [tex]\(\frac{9}{2}\)[/tex].
- Alternatively, [tex]\(4 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex] as a decimal is [tex]\(4.5\)[/tex].
2. Multiply the Number of Cans per Case by the Number of Cases:
- Multiply 12 cans by [tex]\(4.5\)[/tex] (the decimal form of [tex]\(4 \frac{1}{2}\)[/tex]).
[tex]\[
12 \times 4.5 = 54
\][/tex]
So, the total number of cans Tom has is [tex]\(54.0\)[/tex].
Therefore, the answer to the question is:
[tex]\[
12 \times 4 \frac{1}{2} = 54 \text{ cans}
\][/tex]
