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

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

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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