How do you divide #3\frac { 1} { 2} \div ( - 2) #?

1 Answer
Meave60
Dec 22, 2016

The solution is #-7/4# as an improper fraction or #-1 3/4# as a mixed fraction.

Explanation:

#3 1/2-:(-2)#

Convert the mixed fraction #3 1/2# to an improper fraction. Multiply the denominator by the whole number and add to the numerator, while leaving the denominator the same.

#((2xx3+1))/2=7/2#

Divide #7/2# by #-2# by inverting the #-2# to #-1/2# and multiplying.

#7/2xx(-1/2)#

Multiply the numerators and denominators across.

#(7xx(-1))/(2xx2)=-7/4#

If necessary, convert the improper fraction to a mixed fraction. Divide the numerator by the denominator. Write the whole number. Any remainder will be the new numerator.

#-7/4=-1# remainder #3#

#-7/4=-1 3/4#

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