How do you evaluate #1\frac { 1} { 3} \times ( - 2\frac { 1} { 4} ) \div ( - \frac { 1} { 6} )#?

1 Answer
Meave60
Jan 7, 2017

#1 1/3xx(-2 1/4)-:(-1/6)=18#

Explanation:

First convert the mixed fractions, #1 1/3 and 2 1/4# to improper fractions.

Multiply the denominator by the whole number and add the numerator. Keep the denominator the same.

#1 1/3=(3xx1+1)/3=4/3#

#2 1/4=(4xx2+1)/4=9/4#

Rewrite the expression.

#4/3xx(-9/4)-:(-1/6)#

Multiply the two improper fractions, then do the division. When dividing by a fraction, invert the fraction and multiply.

#4/3xx(-9/4)-:(-1/6)#

#(4xx(-9))/(3xx4)-:(-1/6)=#

#-36/12-:(-1/6)#

#-36/12xx(-6/1)=18#

Notice that the answer is positive. This is because when multiplying or dividing, two negative numbers produce a positive result, and two positive numbers make a positive result. One negative and one positive number makes a negative result.

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