Solve Fraction Division: 3/5 ÷ 1½ Step-by-Step Solution

Fraction Division with Mixed Numbers

35:112= \frac{3}{5}:1\frac{1}{2}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Convert mixed number to fraction
00:17 Calculate the numerator
00:21 Convert division to multiplication by reciprocal
00:30 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:38 Reduce what's possible
00:43 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

35:112= \frac{3}{5}:1\frac{1}{2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will follow the steps below:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Divide by using multiplication with the reciprocal.
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction, if necessary.

Step 1: Convert 1121\frac{1}{2} to an improper fraction.
The mixed number 1121\frac{1}{2} is converted by multiplying the whole number 1 by the denominator 2, adding the numerator 1, resulting in 32\frac{3}{2}.

Step 2: Divide by multiplying with the reciprocal.
The division 35÷32\frac{3}{5} \div \frac{3}{2} is performed by multiplying 35\frac{3}{5} with the reciprocal of 32\frac{3}{2}, which is 23\frac{2}{3}.

Thus, we have:

35×23=3×25×3=615\frac{3}{5} \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{3 \times 2}{5 \times 3} = \frac{6}{15}.

Step 3: Simplify the result.
The fraction 615\frac{6}{15} can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3:
6÷315÷3=25\frac{6 \div 3}{15 \div 3} = \frac{2}{5}.

Therefore, the final solution to the problem is 25\frac{2}{5}.

3

Final Answer

25 \frac{2}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before dividing
  • Technique: Multiply by reciprocal: 35×23=615 \frac{3}{5} \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{6}{15}
  • Check: Verify 25×112=35 \frac{2}{5} \times 1\frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{5} using inverse operation ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing numerators and denominators separately
    Don't divide 35÷112 \frac{3}{5} \div 1\frac{1}{2} as 3÷1 and 5÷½ = wrong answer! This ignores proper fraction division rules and gives meaningless results. Always convert to improper fractions first, then multiply by the reciprocal.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{2}:3= \)\( \)\( \)\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert the mixed number first?

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Converting 112 1\frac{1}{2} to 32 \frac{3}{2} makes division possible! You can't find the reciprocal of a mixed number directly - it needs to be an improper fraction first.

How do I remember to multiply by the reciprocal?

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Think "Keep, Change, Flip" - Keep the first fraction, Change division to multiplication, Flip the second fraction upside down!

What if my answer doesn't match any of the choices?

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Double-check that you simplified correctly. 615 \frac{6}{15} must be reduced by dividing both top and bottom by their greatest common factor of 3 to get 25 \frac{2}{5} .

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

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No! Always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions for division. Converting the other way makes the problem much more complicated and error-prone.

How do I check if my final answer is correct?

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Multiply your answer by the divisor: 25×112 \frac{2}{5} \times 1\frac{1}{2} should equal the original dividend 35 \frac{3}{5} . This uses the inverse relationship between multiplication and division!

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