## Agent_Sniffles Group Title Dividing fractions.. one year ago one year ago

1. KingGeorge Group Title

So suppose you have a fraction $\Large \frac{5/4}{7/3}$Then this can be simplified by doing $\Large \frac{5}{4}\times\frac{3}{7}=\frac{15}{28}$

2. CliffSedge Group Title

Division is defined as multiplication by the reciprocal, yes.

3. KingGeorge Group Title

For another example, if you have $\Large \frac{5/4}{7}$Then this is the same thing as $\Large \frac{5/4}{7/1}=\frac{5}{7}\times \frac{1}{4}=\frac{5}{28}$

4. CliffSedge Group Title

Interestingly enough, $$\large 5/4 ÷ 7/3 = \frac{5÷7}{4÷3} = 5/7 ÷ 4/3.$$

5. KingGeorge Group Title

Now using the examples I just gave, can you tell me what $\Large \frac{3/2}{6/5}$can be simplified to?

6. Rosh007 Group Title

In general we can say when you divide, a$(a \div b)\div(c \div d) = (a \div b)\times(d \div c)$

7. Agent_Sniffles Group Title

Is it.. 1 1/4

8. KingGeorge Group Title

That's correct.

9. KingGeorge Group Title

Now, let's mix it up a bit. What about $\Large \frac{8}{2/5}$If this is a bit confusing, try turning the 8 into a fraction and seeing what you can do then.

10. Agent_Sniffles Group Title

Um.. 20?

11. KingGeorge Group Title

Right again. I think you're getting the hang of this. Does this help you with the problems you were given?

12. Agent_Sniffles Group Title

Yeah, it does.

13. Agent_Sniffles Group Title

Thanks.

14. KingGeorge Group Title

You're welcome.

15. KingGeorge Group Title

I strongly believe in the power of varying examples that are usually more difficult than necessary.