The base of a prism has an area of 2 1/2 cm squared. Its height is 4 1/2 cm. What is the volume?

Solution:
1. Given:
- Base area of the prism: 2 \frac{1}{2} cm^2
- Height of the prism: 4 \frac{1}{2} cm

2. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:
- 2 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}
- 4 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{9}{2}

3. Use the formula for the volume of a prism:
- Volume = Base area \times Height

4. Substitute the values:
- Volume = \frac{5}{2} \times \frac{9}{2}

5. Calculate the volume:
- Volume = \frac{5 \times 9}{2 \times 2}
- Volume = \frac{45}{4} cm^3

6. Convert the fractional result to a mixed number:
- Volume = 11 \frac{1}{4} cm^3

Answer: The volume of the prism is 11 \frac{1}{4} cm^3.