Question

Dividing fractions..

Answer 1

So suppose you have a fraction \[\Large \frac{5/4}{7/3}\]Then this can be simplified by doing \[\Large \frac{5}{4}\times\frac{3}{7}=\frac{15}{28}\]

Answer 2

Division is defined as multiplication by the reciprocal, yes.

Answer 3

For another example, if you have \[\Large \frac{5/4}{7}\]Then this is the same thing as \[\Large \frac{5/4}{7/1}=\frac{5}{7}\times \frac{1}{4}=\frac{5}{28}\]

Answer 4

Interestingly enough, \(\large 5/4 ÷ 7/3 = \frac{5÷7}{4÷3} = 5/7 ÷ 4/3.\)

Answer 5

Now using the examples I just gave, can you tell me what \[\Large \frac{3/2}{6/5}\]can be simplified to?

Answer 6

In general we can say when you divide, a\[(a \div b)\div(c \div d) = (a \div b)\times(d \div c)\]

Answer 7

Is it..
1 1/4

Answer 8

That's correct.

Answer 9

Now, let's mix it up a bit. What about \[\Large \frac{8}{2/5}\]If this is a bit confusing, try turning the 8 into a fraction and seeing what you can do then.

Answer 10

Um.. 20?

Answer 11

Right again. I think you're getting the hang of this. Does this help you with the problems you were given?

Answer 12

Yeah, it does.

Answer 13

Thanks.

Answer 14

You're welcome.

Answer 15

I strongly believe in the power of varying examples that are usually more difficult than necessary.