Solve Fraction Division: 7/8 ÷ 2⅜ Step-by-Step

Fraction Division with Mixed Numbers

78:238= \frac{7}{8}:2\frac{3}{8}=

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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
00:08 Calculate the numerator and substitute back into the exercise
00:21 Convert division to multiplication by reciprocal
00:33 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:40 Reduce what is possible
00:45 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

78:238= \frac{7}{8}:2\frac{3}{8}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed number 238 2\frac{3}{8} into an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Divide 78 \frac{7}{8} by the improper fraction by multiplying with its reciprocal.
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction.

Now, let's go through each step:

Step 1: Convert the mixed number 238 2\frac{3}{8} to an improper fraction. We do this by multiplying the whole number part by the denominator and adding the numerator:

238=2×8+38=16+38=198 2\frac{3}{8} = \frac{2 \times 8 + 3}{8} = \frac{16 + 3}{8} = \frac{19}{8} .

Step 2: To divide by a fraction 198 \frac{19}{8} , we multiply by its reciprocal 819 \frac{8}{19} :

78:198=78×819 \frac{7}{8} : \frac{19}{8} = \frac{7}{8} \times \frac{8}{19} .

Step 3: Simplify the resulting expression. Multiply the numerators and the denominators:

7×88×19=56152 \frac{7 \times 8}{8 \times 19} = \frac{56}{152} .

The 8 8 s cancel out, leaving us with:

56152=719 \frac{56}{152} = \frac{7}{19} .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 719 \frac{7}{19} .

3

Final Answer

719 \frac{7}{19}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before dividing
  • Technique: Division by fraction means multiply by reciprocal: 78×819 \frac{7}{8} \times \frac{8}{19}
  • Check: Substitute back: 719×238=78 \frac{7}{19} \times 2\frac{3}{8} = \frac{7}{8}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing by the mixed number without converting to improper fraction
    Don't divide 78 \frac{7}{8} by 2 and then by 38 \frac{3}{8} separately = completely wrong answer! This treats the mixed number as two separate operations instead of one value. Always convert 238 2\frac{3}{8} to improper fraction 198 \frac{19}{8} first.

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 to an improper fraction?

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Mixed numbers like 238 2\frac{3}{8} represent one value, not separate parts. Converting to 198 \frac{19}{8} lets you apply division rules properly with a single fraction.

How do I remember to multiply by the reciprocal?

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Think "division by fraction = multiply by flip"! When you see ÷198 \div \frac{19}{8} , immediately change it to ×819 \times \frac{8}{19} .

What if the 8s didn't cancel out perfectly?

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Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. If they don't cancel completely, find the greatest common factor to simplify your final answer.

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

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You could, but it makes division much harder! It's always easier to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and work with those throughout the problem.

How do I check if my answer is correct?

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Multiply your answer by the original divisor: 719×238 \frac{7}{19} \times 2\frac{3}{8} should equal 78 \frac{7}{8} . If it does, you're right!

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