10 Simple Steps: How To Divide Fractions With Whole Numbers And Mixed Numbers

10 Simple Steps: How To Divide Fractions With Whole Numbers And Mixed Numbers
How To Divide Fractions With Whole Numbers And Mixed Numbers

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Fractions, entire numbers, and blended numbers are important elements of arithmetic operations. Dividing fractions with entire numbers or blended numbers can initially appear daunting, however with the proper method, it is a simple course of that helps college students excel in arithmetic. This text will information you thru the elemental steps to divide fractions, guaranteeing you grasp this vital ability.

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When dividing fractions by entire numbers, the method is simplified by changing the entire quantity right into a fraction with a denominator of 1. For example, if we wish to divide 1/2 by 3, we first convert 3 into the fraction 3/1. Subsequently, we invert the divisor (3/1) and proceed with multiplication. On this case, (1/2) ÷ (3/1) turns into (1/2) × (1/3) = 1/6. This technique applies constantly, whatever the entire quantity being divided.

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Dividing fractions by blended numbers requires the same method. To start, convert the blended quantity into an improper fraction. For instance, if we wish to divide 1/2 by 2 1/3, we convert 2 1/3 into the improper fraction 7/3. Subsequent, we comply with the identical steps as dividing fractions by entire numbers, inverting the divisor after which multiplying. The outcome for (1/2) ÷ (7/3) is (1/2) × (3/7) = 3/14. This demonstrates the effectiveness of changing blended numbers into improper fractions to simplify the division course of.

Introduction to Fraction Division

Fraction division is a mathematical operation that entails dividing one fraction by one other. It’s used to search out the quotient of two fractions, which represents the variety of instances the dividend fraction is contained throughout the divisor fraction. Understanding fraction division is essential for fixing varied mathematical issues and real-world functions.

Kinds of Fraction Division

There are two principal forms of fraction division:

  1. Dividing a fraction by an entire quantity: Entails dividing the numerator of the fraction by the entire quantity.
  2. Dividing a fraction by a blended quantity: Requires changing the blended quantity into an improper fraction earlier than performing the division.

Reciprocating the Divisor

A basic step in fraction division is reciprocating the divisor. This implies discovering the reciprocal of the divisor fraction, which is the fraction with the numerator and denominator interchanged. Reciprocating the divisor permits us to rework division into multiplication, making the calculation simpler.

For instance, the reciprocal of the fraction 3/4 is 4/3. When dividing by 3/4, we multiply by 4/3 as an alternative.

Visualizing Fraction Division

To visualise fraction division, we are able to use an oblong mannequin. The dividend fraction is represented by a rectangle with size equal to the numerator and width equal to the denominator. The divisor fraction is represented by a rectangle with size equal to the numerator and width equal to the denominator of the reciprocal. Dividing the dividend rectangle by the divisor rectangle entails aligning the rectangles facet by facet and counting what number of instances the divisor rectangle suits throughout the dividend rectangle.

Dividend Fraction: Divisor Fraction:
Dividend Fraction Divisor Fraction
Size: 2 Size: 3
Width: 4 Width: 5

On this instance, the dividend fraction is 2/4 and the divisor fraction is 3/5. To divide, we reciprocate the divisor and multiply:

2/4 ÷ 3/5 = 2/4 x 5/3 = 10/12 = 5/6

Dividing Fractions by Complete Numbers

Easy Division Methodology

When dividing a fraction by an entire quantity, you’ll be able to merely convert the entire quantity right into a fraction with a denominator of 1. For example, to divide 1/2 by 3, you’ll be able to rewrite 3 as 3/1 after which carry out the division:

“`
1/2 ÷ 3 = 1/2 ÷ 3/1

Invert the divisor (3/1 turns into 1/3):

1/2 x 1/3

Multiply the numerators and denominators:

1 x 1 / 2 x 3 = 1/6
“`

Utilizing Reciprocal Discount Methodology

One other technique to divide fractions by entire numbers is to make use of reciprocal discount. This entails:

1. Inverting the divisor (entire quantity) to get its reciprocal.
2. Multiplying the dividend (fraction) by the reciprocal.

For example, to divide 1/3 by 4, you’d:

1. Discover the reciprocal of 4: 4/1 = 1/4
2. Multiply 1/3 by 1/4:

“`
1/3 x 1/4

Multiply the numerators and denominators:

1 x 1 / 3 x 4 = 1/12
“`

Operation Consequence
Invert the entire quantity (4): 4/1
Change it to a fraction with denominator of 1: 1/4
Multiply the dividend by the reciprocal: 1/3 x 1/4 = 1/12

Division of Combined Numbers by Complete Numbers

To divide a blended quantity by an entire quantity, first convert the blended quantity to an improper fraction. Then divide the improper fraction by the entire quantity.

For instance, to divide 2 1/2 by 3, first convert 2 1/2 to an improper fraction:

2 1/2 = (2 x 2) + 1/2 = 5/2

Then divide the improper fraction by 3:

5/2 ÷ 3 = (5 ÷ 3) / (2 ÷ 3) = 5/6

So, 2 1/2 ÷ 3 = 5/6.

Detailed Instance

Let’s divide the blended quantity 3 1/4 by the entire quantity 2.

1. Convert 3 1/4 to an improper fraction:

3 1/4 = (3 x 4) + 1/4 = 13/4

2. Divide the improper fraction by 2:

13/4 ÷ 2 = (13 ÷ 2) / (4 ÷ 2) = 13/8

3. Convert the improper fraction again to a blended quantity:

13/8 = 1 5/8

Due to this fact, 3 1/4 ÷ 2 = 1 5/8.

Combined Quantity Complete Quantity Improper Fraction Division Consequence
2 1/2 3 5/2 5/2 ÷ 3 5/6
3 1/4 2 13/4 13/4 ÷ 2 1 5/8

Changing Combined Numbers to Improper Fractions

Combined numbers mix an entire quantity with a correct fraction. To divide fractions that embody blended numbers, we have to first convert the blended numbers into improper fractions. Improper fractions characterize a fraction larger than 1, with a numerator that’s bigger than the denominator. The method of changing a blended quantity to an improper fraction entails the next steps:

Steps to Convert Combined Numbers to Improper Fractions:

  1. Multiply the entire quantity by the denominator of the fraction.
  2. Add the numerator of the fraction to the outcome obtained in Step 1.
  3. Write the sum because the numerator of the improper fraction and maintain the identical denominator as the unique fraction.

Instance:

Convert the blended quantity 2 1/3 to an improper fraction.

  1. Multiply the entire quantity (2) by the denominator of the fraction (3): 2 x 3 = 6
  2. Add the numerator of the fraction (1) to the outcome: 6 + 1 = 7
  3. Write the sum because the numerator and maintain the denominator: 7/3

Due to this fact, the improper fraction equal to the blended quantity 2 1/3 is 7/3.

Desk of Combined Numbers and Equal Improper Fractions:

Combined Quantity Improper Fraction
2 1/3 7/3
3 2/5 17/5
4 3/4 19/4
5 1/2 11/2
6 3/8 51/8

Bear in mind, when dividing fractions that embody blended numbers, it is important to transform all blended numbers to improper fractions to carry out the calculations precisely.

Dividing Combined Numbers by Combined Numbers

To divide blended numbers, first convert them into improper fractions. Then, divide the numerators and denominators of the fractions as normal. Lastly, convert the ensuing improper fraction again right into a blended quantity, if vital.

Instance

Divide 3 1/2 by 2 1/4.

  1. Convert 3 1/2 to an improper fraction: (3 x 2) + 1 / 2 = 7 / 2
  2. Convert 2 1/4 to an improper fraction: (2 x 4) + 1 / 4 = 9 / 4
  3. Divide the numerators and denominators: 7 / 2 ÷ 9 / 4 = (7 x 4) / (9 x 2) = 28 / 18
  4. Simplify the fraction: 28 / 18 = 14 / 9
  5. Convert 14 / 9 again right into a blended quantity: 14 / 9 = 1 5 / 9

Due to this fact, 3 1/2 ÷ 2 1/4 = 1 5 / 9.

Utilizing Widespread Denominators

Dividing fractions with entire numbers or blended numbers entails the next steps:

  1. Convert the entire quantity or blended quantity to a fraction. To do that, multiply the entire quantity by the denominator of the fraction and add the numerator. For instance, 5 turns into 5/1.
  2. Discover the frequent denominator. That is the least frequent a number of (LCM) of the denominators of the fractions concerned.
  3. Multiply each the numerator and denominator of the primary fraction by the denominator of the second fraction.
  4. Multiply each the numerator and denominator of the second fraction by the denominator of the primary fraction.
  5. Divide the primary fraction by the second fraction. That is completed by dividing the numerator of the primary fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and dividing the denominator of the primary fraction by the denominator of the second fraction.
  6. Simplify the reply. This may increasingly contain dividing the numerator and denominator by their best frequent issue (GCF).

**Instance:** 7 ÷ 1/2.

1. Convert 7 to a fraction: 7/1

2. Discover the frequent denominator: 2

3. Multiply the primary fraction by 2/2: 14/2

4. Multiply the second fraction by 1/1: 1/2

5. Divide the primary fraction by the second fraction: 14/2 ÷ 1/2 = 14

6. Simplify the reply: 14 is the ultimate reply.

Desk of Examples

Fraction 1 Fraction 2 Widespread Denominator Reply
1/2 1/4 4 2
3/5 2/3 15 9/10
7 1/2 2 14

Lowering Fractions to Lowest Phrases

A fraction is in its lowest phrases when the numerator (prime quantity) and denominator (backside quantity) haven’t any frequent components apart from 1. There are a number of strategies for decreasing fractions to lowest phrases:

Biggest Widespread Issue (GCF) Methodology

Discover the best frequent issue (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. Divide each the numerator and denominator by the GCF to get the fraction in its lowest phrases.

Prime Factorization Methodology

Discover the prime factorization of each the numerator and denominator. Divide out any frequent prime components to get the fraction in its lowest phrases.

Issue Tree Methodology

Create an element tree for each the numerator and denominator. Circle the frequent prime components. Divide the numerator and denominator by the frequent prime components to get the fraction in its lowest phrases.

Utilizing a Desk

Create a desk with two columns, one for the numerator and one for the denominator. Divide each the numerator and denominator by 2, 3, 5, 7, and so forth till the result’s a decimal or an entire quantity. The final row of the desk will include the numerator and denominator of the fraction in its lowest phrases.

| Numerator | Denominator |
|—|—|
| 12 | 18 |
| 6 | 9 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 1 | 1 |

Numerator Denominator
12 18
6 9
2 3
1 1

Fixing Actual-World Issues with Fraction Division

Fraction division might be utilized in varied real-world situations to resolve sensible issues involving the distribution or partitioning of things or portions.

For instance, take into account a baker who has baked 9/8 of a cake and desires to divide it equally amongst 4 associates. To find out every pal’s share, we have to divide 9/8 by 4.

Instance 1: Dividing a Cake

Drawback: A baker has baked 9/8 of a cake and desires to divide it equally amongst 4 associates. How a lot cake will every pal obtain?

Resolution:
“`
(9/8) ÷ 4
= (9/8) * (1/4)
= 9/32
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Due to this fact, every pal will obtain 9/32 of the cake.

Instance 2: Distributing Sweet

Drawback: A retailer has 5 and a couple of/3 baggage of sweet that they wish to distribute equally amongst 6 prospects. What number of baggage of sweet will every buyer obtain?

Resolution:
“`
(5 2/3) ÷ 6
= (17/3) ÷ 6
= 17/18
“`
Due to this fact, every buyer will obtain 17/18 of a bag of sweet.

Instance 3: Partitioning Land

Drawback: A farmer has 9 and three/4 acres of land that he desires to divide equally amongst 3 youngsters. What number of acres of land will every baby obtain?

Resolution:
“`
(9 3/4) ÷ 3
= (39/4) ÷ 3
= 13/4
“`
Due to this fact, every baby will obtain 13/4 acres of land.

Ideas and Tips for Environment friendly Division

1. Test Indicators

Earlier than dividing, test the indicators of the entire quantity and the fraction. If the indicators are totally different, the outcome will likely be adverse. If the indicators are the identical, the outcome will likely be constructive.

2. Convert Complete Numbers to Fractions

To divide an entire quantity by a fraction, convert the entire quantity to a fraction with a denominator of 1. For instance, 5 might be written as 5/1.

3. Multiply by the Reciprocal

To divide fraction A by fraction B, multiply fraction A by the reciprocal of fraction B. The reciprocal of a fraction is the fraction with the numerator and denominator switched. For instance, the reciprocal of two/3 is 3/2.

4. Simplify and Scale back

After dividing the fractions, simplify and scale back the outcome to the bottom phrases. This implies writing the fraction with the smallest potential numerator and denominator.

5. Use a Desk

For advanced division issues, it may be useful to make use of a desk to maintain observe of the steps. This could scale back the danger of errors.

6. Search for Widespread Components

When multiplying or dividing fractions, test for any frequent components between the numerators and denominators. If there are any, you’ll be able to simplify the fractions earlier than multiplying or dividing.

7. Estimate the Reply

Earlier than performing the division, estimate the reply to get a way of what it must be. This may also help you test your work and establish any potential errors.

8. Use a Calculator

If the issue is simply too advanced or time-consuming to do by hand, use a calculator to get the reply.

9. Apply Makes Excellent

The extra you observe, the higher you’ll develop into at dividing fractions. Attempt to observe commonly to enhance your abilities and construct confidence.

10. Prolonged Ideas for Environment friendly Division

Tip Rationalization
Invert and Multiply As an alternative of multiplying by the reciprocal, you’ll be able to invert the divisor and multiply. This may be simpler, particularly for extra advanced fractions.
Use Psychological Math When potential, attempt to carry out psychological math to divide fractions. This could save effort and time, particularly for easier issues.
Search for Patterns Some division issues comply with sure patterns. Familiarize your self with these patterns to make the division course of faster and simpler.
Break Down Advanced Issues If you’re battling a fancy division drawback, break it down into smaller steps. This may also help you deal with one step at a time and keep away from errors.
Test Your Reply After getting accomplished the division, test your reply by multiplying the quotient by the divisor. If the result’s the dividend, your reply is appropriate.

How one can Divide Fractions with Complete Numbers and Combined Numbers

Dividing fractions with entire numbers and blended numbers is a basic operation in arithmetic. Understanding the best way to carry out this operation is crucial for fixing varied issues in algebra, geometry, and different mathematical disciplines. This text gives a complete information on dividing fractions with entire numbers and blended numbers, together with step-by-step directions and examples to facilitate clear understanding.

To divide a fraction by an entire quantity, we are able to convert the entire quantity to a fraction with a denominator of 1. For example, to divide 3 by 1/2, we are able to rewrite 3 as 3/1. Then, we are able to apply the rule of dividing fractions, which entails multiplying the primary fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. On this case, we might multiply 3/1 by 1/2, which supplies us (3/1) * (1/2) = 3/2.

Dividing a fraction by a blended quantity follows the same course of. First, we convert the blended quantity to an improper fraction. For instance, to divide 2/3 by 1 1/2, we are able to convert 1 1/2 to the improper fraction 3/2. Then, we apply the rule of dividing fractions, which supplies us (2/3) * (2/3) = 4/9.

Individuals Additionally Ask

How do you divide an entire quantity by a fraction?

To divide an entire quantity by a fraction, we are able to convert the entire quantity to a fraction with a denominator of 1 after which apply the rule of dividing fractions.

Are you able to divide a fraction by a blended quantity?

Sure, we are able to divide a fraction by a blended quantity by changing the blended quantity to an improper fraction after which making use of the rule of dividing fractions.