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To solve the problem , we need to remember how to divide a fraction by a whole number:
Step 1: Convert the division problem into a multiplication problem by multiplying by the reciprocal of the whole number. The reciprocal of 2 is .
Step 2: Therefore, we rewrite the problem as .
Step 3: Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together:
Step 4: Simplify the fraction by finding the greatest common divisor of 6 and 14, which is 2. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2:
Therefore, the solution to the problem is .
\( \frac{1}{2}:3= \)\( \)\( \)\( \)
Division by a number is the same as multiplication by its reciprocal. This rule works consistently for all division problems, making it easier to solve complex fraction operations.
The reciprocal of any whole number is 1 over that number. So the reciprocal of 2 is , the reciprocal of 5 is , and so on.
Always check if your fraction can be simplified! Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. If the GCD is greater than 1, divide both parts by it.
While this gives the correct answer for this problem, it's not the proper method. Always use the reciprocal method to build good habits for more complex fraction division problems.
Your answer would still be mathematically correct, but not in simplest form. For example, equals , but is the preferred final answer.
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