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

1 Answer
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