Solve: 3/10 Divided by 2½ - Mixed Number Division

Fraction Division with Mixed Numbers

310:212= \frac{3}{10}:2\frac{1}{2}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:04 Let's get started.
00:08 First, change the mixed number to an improper fraction.
00:14 Now, work out the new numerator and put it back into the problem.
00:22 Next, turn the division into multiplication by using the reciprocal.
00:38 Remember, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.
00:43 Go ahead and calculate those multiplications now.
00:49 Finally, simplify the fraction by reducing it as much as possible.
01:03 Great job! That's how you find the solution.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

310:212= \frac{3}{10}:2\frac{1}{2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this division problem, we'll follow these outlined steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Find the reciprocal of the improper fraction.
  • Step 3: Multiply the first fraction by this reciprocal.
  • Step 4: Simplify the result to get the final answer.

Let's go through each step in detail:

Step 1: Convert 212 2\frac{1}{2} to an improper fraction:

212 2\frac{1}{2} is equal to 2+12=42+12=52 2 + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{4}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2} .

Step 2: Find the reciprocal of 52 \frac{5}{2} :

The reciprocal of 52 \frac{5}{2} is 25 \frac{2}{5} .

Step 3: Multiply 310 \frac{3}{10} by 25 \frac{2}{5} :

310×25=3×210×5=650 \frac{3}{10} \times \frac{2}{5} = \frac{3 \times 2}{10 \times 5} = \frac{6}{50} .

Step 4: Simplify 650 \frac{6}{50} :

To simplify, we find the greatest common divisor of 6 and 50, which is 2:

650=325 \frac{6}{50} = \frac{3}{25} after dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 325 \frac{3}{25} . This matches choice 2.

3

Final Answer

325 \frac{3}{25}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Division by a fraction equals multiplication by its reciprocal
  • Technique: Convert 212 2\frac{1}{2} to 52 \frac{5}{2} , then use reciprocal 25 \frac{2}{5}
  • Check: Multiply result by divisor: 325×212=310 \frac{3}{25} \times 2\frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{10}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing directly by the mixed number without converting
    Don't try to divide 310÷212 \frac{3}{10} \div 2\frac{1}{2} directly = confusion and wrong answers! Mixed numbers must be converted to improper fractions first. Always convert 212 2\frac{1}{2} to 52 \frac{5}{2} , then use the reciprocal method.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{2}:2= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction?

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Mixed numbers like 212 2\frac{1}{2} can't be used directly in division. Converting to 52 \frac{5}{2} gives you one single fraction that you can easily find the reciprocal of!

How do I remember which number gets flipped for the reciprocal?

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The second fraction (the divisor) always gets flipped! Think: "Keep, Change, Flip" - Keep the first fraction, Change ÷ to ×, Flip the second fraction.

What if my final answer looks too complicated?

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Always simplify your final fraction! Find the greatest common divisor of the numerator and denominator. In this problem, 650 \frac{6}{50} simplifies to 325 \frac{3}{25} by dividing both by 2.

Can I convert the regular fraction to a mixed number instead?

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No! Always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions, not the other way around. Regular fractions like 310 \frac{3}{10} are already in the perfect form for division.

How do I check if my answer is correct?

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Multiply your answer by the original divisor - you should get the original dividend! Check: 325×212=325×52=1550=310 \frac{3}{25} \times 2\frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{25} \times \frac{5}{2} = \frac{15}{50} = \frac{3}{10}

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