How do you simplify #(- 6.6) / 2.4#?

3 Answers
Dec 10, 2017

It is #2.75 or 11/4 or 2 3/4#

Explanation:

The way you do this is to start by dividing it.

#-6.6 div 2.4# which in your case gives #2.75#.

Then you can use your calculator and use >DMS key or you can see what the numbers are after the comma.

Because it is #0.75# here you know that you can multiply it by 4 to make a fraction: #0.75 = 3/4#

#2.75 xx 4/4 = 11/4#

Dec 10, 2017

#-11/4 #

Explanation:

If multiply both the denominator and numerator by 10, that's the same as multiplying by 1:

#-6.6/2.4 * 10/10 #

#-66/24#

No we can split each denominator and numerator into their prime factors:

#-(2*3*11)/(2*2*2*3) #

We see that on the top, one of the #2's# and one of the #3's# cancel with the bottom:

#-11/(2*2) #

#= -11/4 #

Dec 10, 2017

#-11/4#

Explanation:

#"multiply numerator/denominator by 10"#

#rArr-6.6/2.4xx10/10=-66/24#

#"divide numerator/denominator by 6"#

#rArr-cancel(66)^(11)/cancel(24)^4=-11/4larrcolor(blue)"in simplest form"#

#"a fraction is in "color(blue)"simplest form"" when no other"#
#"factor but 1 will divide into the numerator/denominator"#