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

1 Answer
Dec 20, 2016

#14/15#

Explanation:

The first thing to do is change the mixed numbers to #color(blue)"improper fractions"#

#2 1/3=7/3" and " 2 1/2=5/2#

#rArr2 1/3 ÷2 1/2=7/3÷5/2#

The method for #color(blue)"division of fractions"# is.

#•" Leave the first fraction"#

#•" Change division to multiplication"#

#•" Invert (turn upside down) the second fraction"#

#•" Cancel any common factors"#

#rArr7/3xx2/5larr" multiply and invert"#

There are no common factors.

#=(7xx2)/(3xx5)=14/15larr" in simplest form"#

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