How do you simplify #3/2 div 3#?

1 Answer
Jul 16, 2016

#1/2#

Explanation:

The usual way to divide with fractions is to multiply by the reciprocal.

#3/2 div 3" "#actually means # 3/2 div 3/1#

Write this as #3/2 xx 1/3#

Now proceed as for multiplying with fractions:

Cancel if you can , then # (" top x top")/(" bottom x bottom")#

#cancel3/2 xx 1/cancel3 = 1/2#

Or

#3/2 xx 1/3 = 3/6 = 1/2#

Or, as long as BOTH the numerator and denominator divide exactly, you can just divide:

# (" top ÷ top")/(" bottom ÷ bottom")#

# 3/2 div 3/1 = (3÷3)/(2÷ 1) = 1/2#