If Jack needs 2 ½ pints of cream for one dessert, how many pints does he require for three desserts?

To determine the total amount of cream Jack needs for three desserts when he requires 2 ½ pints for each one, you multiply the amount needed for one dessert by the number of desserts.

First, convert 2 ½ pints into an improper fraction, which is 5/2 pints. Then, multiply this by 3 (the number of desserts):

(5/2 pints) * 3 = 15/2 pints.

Now, convert 15/2 back to a mixed number:

15 divided by 2 equals 7 with a remainder of 1, which gives you 7 ½ pints.

This calculation shows that Jack indeed requires 7 ½ pints of cream for three desserts. This answer reflects a clear understanding of multiplying fractions and converting between different formats, reinforcing the importance of basic arithmetic in practical scenarios.