1. **State the problem:** Multiply the whole number 8 by the mixed number $3 \frac{7}{9}$. Write the answer as a mixed number in simplest form. 2. **Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction:** $$3 \frac{7}{9} = \frac{3 \times 9 + 7}{9} = \frac{27 + 7}{9} = \frac{34}{9}$$ 3. **Multiply the whole number by the improper fraction:** $$8 \times \frac{34}{9} = \frac{8 \times 34}{9} = \frac{272}{9}$$ 4. **Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number:** Divide 272 by 9: $$272 \div 9 = 30 \text{ remainder } 2$$ So, $$\frac{272}{9} = 30 \frac{2}{9}$$ 5. **Simplify the fraction if possible:** The fraction $\frac{2}{9}$ is already in simplest form. **Final answer:** $$8 \times 3 \frac{7}{9} = 30 \frac{2}{9}$$