Solve Complex Fraction Expression: (a²/2)÷(a/3)-(3a+12÷(4a·3))

Complex Fraction Division with Mixed Operations

a22:a3(3a+12:(4a3))=? \frac{a^2}{2}:\frac{a}{3}-(3a+12:(4a\cdot3))=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Division is also multiplication by the reciprocal
00:12 Negative times positive always equals negative
00:22 Write division as a fraction
00:29 Reduce what we can
00:42 Convert from fraction to number
00:48 Collect terms
00:53 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

a22:a3(3a+12:(4a3))=? \frac{a^2}{2}:\frac{a}{3}-(3a+12:(4a\cdot3))=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Simplify a22:a3 \frac{a^2}{2}:\frac{a}{3} .
  • Step 2: Simplify 3a+12:(4a3) 3a + 12:(4a \cdot 3) .
  • Step 3: Perform the subtraction from Step 1 and Step 2 results.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1:
The expression a22:a3 \frac{a^2}{2}:\frac{a}{3} translates to a22÷a3 \frac{a^2}{2} \div \frac{a}{3} .
Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal, thus:
a22×3a=a232a=3a2 \frac{a^2}{2} \times \frac{3}{a} = \frac{a^2 \cdot 3}{2 \cdot a} = \frac{3a}{2} .

Step 2:
Handle 3a+12:(4a3) 3a + 12:(4a \cdot 3) .
First, calculate 12:(4a3) 12:(4a \cdot 3) , which translates to 1212a=1a \frac{12}{12a} = \frac{1}{a} .
Thus, 3a+1a 3a + \frac{1}{a} remains unchanged as 3a+1a 3a + \frac{1}{a} .

Step 3:
Subtract the result from Step 2 from the result in Step 1:
3a2(3a+1a) \frac{3a}{2} - (3a + \frac{1}{a}) .
This simplifies to:
3a23a1a \frac{3a}{2} - 3a - \frac{1}{a} .
To combine 3a2 \frac{3a}{2} and 3a-3a, find a common denominator:
Convert 3a-3a to 6a2-\frac{6a}{2}, then:
3a26a2=3a2 \frac{3a}{2} - \frac{6a}{2} = -\frac{3a}{2} .
Therefore, the expression simplifies to:
3a21a -\frac{3a}{2} - \frac{1}{a} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1.5a1a -1.5a - \frac{1}{a} .

3

Final Answer

1.5a1a -1.5a-\frac{1}{a}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Division Rule: Dividing fractions means multiply by the reciprocal
  • Technique: a22÷a3=a22×3a=3a2 \frac{a^2}{2} \div \frac{a}{3} = \frac{a^2}{2} \times \frac{3}{a} = \frac{3a}{2}
  • Check: Substitute a=2: 1.5(2)12=30.5=3.5 -1.5(2) - \frac{1}{2} = -3 - 0.5 = -3.5

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing division notation with regular division
    Don't treat the colon (:) as regular division when it appears between fractions = wrong operations! The colon represents fraction division, which requires multiplying by the reciprocal. Always convert a22:a3 \frac{a^2}{2}:\frac{a}{3} to a22÷a3 \frac{a^2}{2} \div \frac{a}{3} first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(5+55)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does the colon symbol mean in this expression?

+

The colon (:) represents division in this context. So a22:a3 \frac{a^2}{2}:\frac{a}{3} means a22÷a3 \frac{a^2}{2} \div \frac{a}{3} . This is common notation in some textbooks.

Why do I multiply by the reciprocal when dividing fractions?

+

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. Think of it this way: dividing by 12 \frac{1}{2} means "how many halves fit into this?", which is the same as multiplying by 2.

How do I handle the parentheses in the second part?

+

Follow order of operations! First calculate what's inside: 4a3=12a 4a \cdot 3 = 12a , then 12÷12a=1a 12 \div 12a = \frac{1}{a} , finally add: 3a+1a 3a + \frac{1}{a} .

Why is the final answer negative?

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We're subtracting a larger positive term from a smaller one. Since 3a2<3a \frac{3a}{2} < 3a when a is positive, the result 3a23a=3a2 \frac{3a}{2} - 3a = -\frac{3a}{2} is negative.

Can I convert everything to decimals instead?

+

You could for specific values of a, but it's better to keep fractions for the general solution. This way your answer works for any value of a, not just specific numbers.

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