Solve Complex Fraction Expression: (10/7)/2 + 2/(7/8)

Complex Fractions with Division Operations

1072+278= \frac{\frac{10}{7}}{2}+\frac{2}{\frac{7}{8}}=

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Step-by-step video solution

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00:00 Solve
00:03 Convert division to multiplication by reciprocal
00:06 Always solve multiplication and division before addition and subtraction, simplify
00:12 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

1072+278= \frac{\frac{10}{7}}{2}+\frac{2}{\frac{7}{8}}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression 1072+278 \frac{\frac{10}{7}}{2}+\frac{2}{\frac{7}{8}} , we need to perform operations in the correct order as per the rules of the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS - Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

Step 1: Simplify the complex fraction 1072 \frac{\frac{10}{7}}{2}
A complex fraction can be simplified by multiplying the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator. In this case, the numerator is 107 \frac{10}{7} and the denominator is 2 (which means 21 \frac{2}{1} ).


1072=107×12=10172=1014 \frac{\frac{10}{7}}{2} = \frac{10}{7} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{10 \cdot 1}{7 \cdot 2} = \frac{10}{14}


Simplify 1014 \frac{10}{14} by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (2):


1014=57 \frac{10}{14} = \frac{5}{7}

Step 2: Simplify the complex fraction 278 \frac{2}{\frac{7}{8}}
Again, multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator:
The reciprocal of 78 \frac{7}{8} is 87 \frac{8}{7} .


278=2×87=287=167 \frac{2}{\frac{7}{8}} = 2 \times \frac{8}{7} = \frac{2 \cdot 8}{7} = \frac{16}{7}

Step 3: Add the simplified fractions 57+167 \frac{5}{7} + \frac{16}{7}
Since the fractions have like denominators, we can add the numerators directly:


57+167=5+167=217 \frac{5}{7} + \frac{16}{7} = \frac{5 + 16}{7} = \frac{21}{7}


Simplify 217 \frac{21}{7} by dividing the numerator by the denominator:


217=3 \frac{21}{7} = 3

Thus, the solution to the expression is 3 3 .

3

Final Answer

3 3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Multiply by the reciprocal to simplify complex fractions
  • Technique: Convert 278 \frac{2}{\frac{7}{8}} to 2×87=167 2 \times \frac{8}{7} = \frac{16}{7}
  • Check: Verify 57+167=217=3 \frac{5}{7} + \frac{16}{7} = \frac{21}{7} = 3

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing by the fraction instead of multiplying by reciprocal
    Don't divide 2 by 7/8 directly = confusion and wrong calculation! This makes the problem much harder and leads to errors. Always remember that dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal.

Practice Quiz

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\( 100+5-100+5 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What's the difference between a regular fraction and a complex fraction?

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A complex fraction has fractions in the numerator, denominator, or both! Like 1072 \frac{\frac{10}{7}}{2} . Regular fractions just have whole numbers on top and bottom.

Why do I multiply by the reciprocal instead of just dividing?

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Dividing by a fraction IS multiplying by its reciprocal! It's the same operation, just written differently. 278=2÷78=2×87 \frac{2}{\frac{7}{8}} = 2 \div \frac{7}{8} = 2 \times \frac{8}{7}

How do I find the reciprocal of a fraction?

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Simply flip the fraction! The reciprocal of 78 \frac{7}{8} is 87 \frac{8}{7} . For whole numbers like 2, write it as 21 \frac{2}{1} first, then flip to get 12 \frac{1}{2} .

Do I need a common denominator to add these fractions?

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Yes! But in this problem, both simplified fractions already have the same denominator (7), so you can add the numerators directly: 57+167=217 \frac{5}{7} + \frac{16}{7} = \frac{21}{7}

Can I use a calculator for complex fractions?

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Calculators can help, but be careful with the order! Use parentheses correctly: (10/7)/2 + 2/(7/8). It's better to understand the steps first, then verify with technology.

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