How do you divide #1 1/ 2\div 3/ 4#?

2 Answers
Apr 12, 2017

#2#

Explanation:

The value of 1 is the same as #2/2#

So write #1 1/2# as # 1 + 1/2" " ->" "2/2+1/2" "->" "3/2#

Giving: #3/2-:3/4#

#color(blue)("Shortcut method")#

#" "color(green)(3/2)-:color(red)(3/4)#

gives the same answer as:

#" "color(red)(3/2)xxcolor(green)(4/3)" "->(cancel(3))/2xx4/(cancel(3))" cancelling out" #

This is the same process as

#" "color(green)(3/(color(green)(3))xx4/(color(red)(2))#

#" "1xx4/2=2#

Set up the problem as a fraction divided by a fraction. Resulting in the answer of #2#

Explanation:

The mixed number #1 1/2# can be rewritten as an improper fraction.

# 3/2#

Set up the problem as a complex fraction

# (3/2)/ (3/4)# The bar means to divide and also works as parentheses

Remove the bottom fraction by multiplying both the top and bottom fractions by the inverse of the bottom fraction.

# 3/4 xx4/3 = 1 # multiplying by the inverse is math magic it makes the fraction disappear.

The multiplication property of equality is the fairness principle. what ever is done to one side must be also done to the other side. so

#( 3/2 xx 4/3) / (3/4 xx 4/3) = 3/2 xx 4/3 #

# 3/2 xx 4/3 = 12/6#

# 12/6 = 2#