Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Both Jordan and Keisha wanted the job at the Parks Office, but it was Jordan who won out. Her first assignment was to measure a rectangular lot that the Parks Office hopes to turn into a playground later this year. Jordan was really excited about her first task, and she eagerly told Keisha about it. “It was cool! I measured one side and found it was a quarter of a mile long. Then I measured the other side and found it was a half a mile long. That made the total area one-eighth of a square mile,” Jordan explained.

Keisha was frustrated; she wanted that job! After Jordan left, Keisha complained to whoever would listen: “The joke’s on Jordan! She had her first assignment and she must have done something wrong,” she began. “How in the world can one side be one-fourth, another side be one-half, and the total area be even smaller: one eighth! Her first assignment and Jordan blew it!” Keisha finished.

Is Jordan wrong? Or, is Keisha wrong?