How to Divide Mixed Fractions: 12 Steps
Dividing mixed fractions might seem complicated at first, but with the right approach, it’s actually quite simple! Follow these 12 steps to successfully divide mixed fractions every time.
1. Understand mixed fractions: A mixed fraction contains a whole number and a fraction, expressed like 2 1/3.
2. Write down the given mixed fractions: Jot down both of the mixed fractions you need to divide. For example, let’s say you want to divide 3 1/4 by 2 2/3.
3. Convert both mixed fractions to improper fractions: To do this, multiply the whole number by the denominator and then add the numerator. Place this value over the original denominator.
– For 3 1/4: (3 * 4) + 1 = 13, so it becomes 13/4.
– For 2 2/3: (2 * 3) + 2 = 8, so it becomes 8/3.
4. Rewrite your equation as an improper fraction division problem: It should look like this – (13/4) ÷ (8/3).
5. Flip the second improper fraction: To do this, simply swap its numerator and denominator – in this case, it would become (3/8).
6. Change the division symbol to multiplication: Now your equation will look like (13/4) x (3/8).
7. Cross-cancellation (optional): Check if there are any common factors between numerators and denominators across both fractions. If so, you can simplify them before multiplying.
– In our example, there are no common factors, so we proceed without cross-cancellation.
8. Multiply the numerators together: Multiply both numerators to get one new numerator – for our example, it would be (13 x 3) = 39.
9. Multiply the denominators together: Multiply both denominators to get one new denominator – for our example, it would be (4 x 8) = 32.
10. Write the new fraction: Combine the new numerator and denominator into a single fraction – in this case, it would be (39/32).
11. If possible, reduce your answer to its simplest form: Since there are no common factors between 39 and 32, our answer is already simplified.
12. Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed fraction if needed: Divide the numerator by the denominator and express any remainder as a fraction:
– In our example, (39 ÷ 32) = 1 with a remainder of 7. Therefore, our final answer is 1 7/32.
Congratulations! You have now successfully divided mixed fractions in just 12 steps! Repeat this process to tackle any other mixed fraction division problems with ease.