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

1 Answer
Jul 22, 2017

The answer is #20/9# as an improper fraction, and #2 2/9# as a mixed fraction.

Refer to the explanation for the process.

Explanation:

Divide:

#3 1/3-:1 1/2#

First convert each mixed fraction to an improper fraction. You do this by multiplying the denominator by the whole number, and add the result to the numerator, and place the whole thing over the denominator.

Convert #3 1/3# to an improper fraction.

#((3xx3+1))/3-:1 1/2#

Simplify.

#10/3-:1 1/2#

Convert #1 1/2# to an improper fraction.

#10/3-:((2xx1+1))/2#

Simplify.

#10/3-:3/2#

The parts of a division question are the:

#"dividend"##-:##"divisor"##=##"quotient"#

When dividing fractions, the divisor #(3/2)# is first inverted and then multiplied.

#10/3xx2/3=#

#(10xx2)/(3xx3)=#

#20/9#

You can convert the quotient #(20/9)# to an improper fraction by dividing the numerator by the denominator. The result is the whole number part of the quotient. The remainder becomes the numerator for the fraction.

#20-:9="2 R2"=#

#2 2/9#