How do you simplify #7/9 div (3/4 - 1/3)#?

1 Answer
Apr 16, 2015

The answer is #28/15#.

Firstly, subtract #3/4# and #1/3#. To do that, find a common denominator, convert the fractions, and do the subtraction. Common denominator for 4 and 3 is 12.

#3/4 - 1/3 = 9/12 - 4/12 = 5/12#

Plug your result into the original equation:

#7/9 div (3/4 - 1/3) = 7/9 div 5/12#

To divide fractions, turn the second fraction into its reciprocal and multiple the two fractions. Reciprocal of #5/12# is #12/5# (just flip the fraction upside down).

#7/9 div 5/12 = 7/9 * 12/5 = 7/(cancel(9)3) * (cancel(12)4)/5 = 28/15#