Solve Decimal Division: 2.4 ÷ 5.1 Step-by-Step

Decimal Division with Fraction Conversion

Solve the following:

2.45.1= \frac{2.4}{5.1}=

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following:

2.45.1= \frac{2.4}{5.1}=

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Convert each decimal number into a fraction
  • Step 2: Perform the division of these fractions using multiplication by the reciprocal
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Convert the decimals to fractions.

For the decimal 2.4, notice it is equal to 24 divided by 10, so it can be written as the fraction 2410\frac{24}{10}.

For the decimal 5.1, it is equal to 51 divided by 10, so it can be written as the fraction 5110\frac{51}{10}.

Step 2: Divide the fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal.

We have the division: 2410÷5110\frac{24}{10} \div \frac{51}{10}.

Instead of dividing, we multiply by the reciprocal: 2410×1051\frac{24}{10} \times \frac{10}{51}.

When multiplying, we multiply the numerators and the denominators:

24×1010×51=240510\frac{24 \times 10}{10 \times 51} = \frac{240}{510}.

Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction.

Both 240 and 510 are divisible by 30:

240÷30510÷30=817\frac{240 \div 30}{510 \div 30} = \frac{8}{17}.

Thus, the fraction simplifies to 817\frac{8}{17}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 817 \frac{8}{17} .

3

Final Answer

817 \frac{8}{17}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert decimals to fractions before dividing for exact answers
  • Technique: Multiply by reciprocal: 2410×1051=240510 \frac{24}{10} \times \frac{10}{51} = \frac{240}{510}
  • Check: Simplify by finding GCD: 240÷30 = 8, 510÷30 = 17 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Converting decimals incorrectly to fractions
    Don't write 2.4 as 24100 \frac{24}{100} = wrong denominator! This creates unnecessary complexity and often leads to calculation errors. Always count decimal places: 2.4 has 1 decimal place, so it's 2410 \frac{24}{10} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Complete the following exercise:

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just divide 2.4 ÷ 5.1 directly?

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You can use a calculator, but converting to fractions gives you the exact answer without rounding errors. Plus, many math problems require fraction answers, not decimals!

How do I know what denominator to use when converting decimals?

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Count the decimal places! 2.4 has 1 decimal place = denominator 10. 5.17 has 2 decimal places = denominator 100. The denominator is always a power of 10.

What's the easiest way to find the GCD to simplify?

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Try dividing both numbers by small primes: 2, 3, 5, 7... For 240 and 510, both divide by 2, then by 3, then by 5. So 240÷30 = 8 and 510÷30 = 17.

Can I leave my answer as an improper fraction?

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Yes! Since 817 \frac{8}{17} is less than 1 (8 < 17), it's actually a proper fraction. Even if it were improper, that would be fine unless the problem asks for a mixed number.

Why multiply by the reciprocal instead of dividing?

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Division by fractions is defined as multiplication by the reciprocal! ab÷cd=ab×dc \frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{d}{c} . It's not a trick—it's the actual mathematical rule.

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