## anonymous 3 years ago Dividing fractions..

1. KingGeorge

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. anonymous

Division is defined as multiplication by the reciprocal, yes.

3. KingGeorge

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. anonymous

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

5. KingGeorge

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

6. anonymous

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

7. anonymous

Is it.. 1 1/4

8. KingGeorge

That's correct.

9. KingGeorge

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. anonymous

Um.. 20?

11. KingGeorge

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

12. anonymous

Yeah, it does.

13. anonymous

Thanks.

14. KingGeorge

You're welcome.

15. KingGeorge

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