Solve Fraction Division: 4/9 ÷ 1/3 Step-by-Step

Fraction Division with Mixed Number Conversion

Complete the following exercise:

49:13=? \frac{4}{9}:\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Make sure to divide numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:10 Calculate the quotients
00:14 Break down 4 into 3 plus 1
00:19 Break down the fraction into a whole number and remainder
00:27 Any number divided by itself always equals 1
00:30 Convert to a mixed fraction
00:34 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

Complete the following exercise:

49:13=? \frac{4}{9}:\frac{1}{3}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of dividing 49\frac{4}{9} by 13\frac{1}{3}, we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the division operation into multiplication by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
  • Step 2: Perform the multiplication of the fractions.
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible, and convert it into a mixed number.

Let's proceed with the steps:

Step 1: The expression 49:13\frac{4}{9} : \frac{1}{3} is equivalent to multiplying 49\frac{4}{9} by the reciprocal of 13\frac{1}{3}. The reciprocal of 13\frac{1}{3} is 31\frac{3}{1}.

Step 2: Multiply the fractions:

49×31=4×39×1=129.\frac{4}{9} \times \frac{3}{1} = \frac{4 \times 3}{9 \times 1} = \frac{12}{9}.

Step 3: Simplify the result by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 3:

129=12÷39÷3=43.\frac{12}{9} = \frac{12 \div 3}{9 \div 3} = \frac{4}{3}.

Step 4: Convert the improper fraction 43\frac{4}{3} into a mixed number. 43\frac{4}{3} equals 11 with a remainder of 11, so it can be written as the mixed number 1131\frac{1}{3}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem 49:13\frac{4}{9} : \frac{1}{3} is 113\mathbf{1\frac{1}{3}}.

3

Final Answer

113 1\frac{1}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Division by fraction means multiply by its reciprocal
  • Technique: 49÷13=49×31=129 \frac{4}{9} ÷ \frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{9} × \frac{3}{1} = \frac{12}{9}
  • Check: Convert to mixed number: 43=113 \frac{4}{3} = 1\frac{1}{3}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing numerators and denominators separately
    Don't divide 4÷1=4 and 9÷3=3 to get 4/3! This skips the crucial reciprocal step and often gives wrong results. Always flip the second fraction first, then multiply across.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

\( \frac{1}{4}:\frac{1}{2}=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I flip the second fraction?

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Division by a fraction is the same as multiplication by its reciprocal. Think of it this way: dividing by 13 \frac{1}{3} means 'how many thirds fit into the first fraction?' That's the same as multiplying by 3!

What's the reciprocal of a fraction?

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The reciprocal means flip the fraction upside down. So the reciprocal of 13 \frac{1}{3} is 31 \frac{3}{1} (which equals 3). Always flip numerator and denominator!

How do I convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

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Divide the numerator by the denominator: For 43 \frac{4}{3} , divide 4÷3 = 1 remainder 1. So it becomes 113 1\frac{1}{3} .

Do I need to simplify before converting to mixed number?

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It's usually easier to simplify first! In this problem, 129 \frac{12}{9} simplifies to 43 \frac{4}{3} by dividing both parts by 3, then convert to mixed number.

Can I leave my answer as an improper fraction?

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Yes, but mixed numbers are often preferred for final answers because they're easier to understand. 113 1\frac{1}{3} is clearer than 43 \frac{4}{3} for most people!

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