How do you solve #1/3 " of " 2#?

2 Answers
Aug 2, 2017

Divide 2 by 3

Explanation:

#2/3#

1/3 of means to divide. This can be set up as a ratio

# 1/3 = x/2 # where 3 is the of 1 is the is and x is the unknown.

Solving for x by multiplying both sides by 2 gives.

# (1/3) xx 2 = (x/2) xx 2# The #2/2 = 1# leaving

# 2/3#

Aug 10, 2017

#1/3 " of " 2 = 2 div 3 = 2/3#

Explanation:

This type of division question is easier than students think at first.

While they are usually happy with #6div 2=3# and #5div 2 = 2 1/2#, questions such as #5div3 or 3div4# are seen as much more difficult.

However, ironically, the question is the answer...

#3div 5# can be written as #3/5#
which leads to the answer #3/5" "larr# read as 'three-fifths".

In the same way, #4 div7 = 4/7" " and 5 div 3 = 5/3 #

In this case, #1/3 "of " 2# can also be written as #1/3 xx2/1 = 2/3#

or as #2 div 3 = 2/3#

This means for example, that if #2# apples are shared between #3# friends, each one will end up with #2/3# of an apple.