Solve Mixed Number Division: 1 3/5 ÷ 1/2

Mixed Number Division with Improper Fractions

135:12= 1\frac{3}{5}:\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 from mixed number to fraction
00:18 Convert from division to multiplication by reciprocal
00:31 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:34 Calculate the multiplications
00:39 Now convert to mixed number
00:42 Break down 16 into 15 plus 1
00:47 Break down the fraction into whole fraction and remainder
00:52 Convert from whole fraction to whole number, and add to mixed number
00:59 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

135:12= 1\frac{3}{5}:\frac{1}{2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of dividing the mixed number 1351\frac{3}{5} by the fraction 12\frac{1}{2}, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Take the reciprocal of the divisor fraction.
  • Step 3: Multiply the improper fraction by the reciprocal.
  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.

Now, let's execute each step:

Step 1: Convert 1351\frac{3}{5} to an improper fraction. To do this, multiply the whole number 1 by the denominator 5 and add the numerator 3:

1×5+3=5+3=81 \times 5 + 3 = 5 + 3 = 8

This gives us 85\frac{8}{5}.

Step 2: Take the reciprocal of 12\frac{1}{2}, which is 21\frac{2}{1}.

Step 3: Multiply 85\frac{8}{5} by 21\frac{2}{1}:

85×21=8×25×1=165\frac{8}{5} \times \frac{2}{1} = \frac{8 \times 2}{5 \times 1} = \frac{16}{5}

Step 4: Simplify 165\frac{16}{5} by converting it back to a mixed number:

Divide 16 by 5, which results in 3 with a remainder of 1, giving us 3153\frac{1}{5}.

Therefore, the result of 135÷121\frac{3}{5} \div \frac{1}{2} is 3153\frac{1}{5}.

3

Final Answer

315 3\frac{1}{5}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before dividing
  • Technique: Multiply by reciprocal: 85×21=165 \frac{8}{5} \times \frac{2}{1} = \frac{16}{5}
  • Check: Convert answer back: 165=315 \frac{16}{5} = 3\frac{1}{5} and verify multiplication ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing the whole number and fraction parts separately
    Don't divide 1 ÷ 1/2 = 2 and 3/5 ÷ 1/2 = 6/5, then combine = wrong answer! This treats the mixed number as addition instead of a single value. Always convert the entire mixed number to an improper fraction first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just divide each part of the mixed number separately?

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A mixed number like 135 1\frac{3}{5} represents one complete value, not separate parts. Dividing parts separately changes the mathematical meaning and gives incorrect results.

How do I remember to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions?

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Think of the formula: multiply whole number by denominator, then add numerator. For 135 1\frac{3}{5} : (1 × 5) + 3 = 8, so it becomes 85 \frac{8}{5} .

What's the easiest way to find the reciprocal?

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Simply flip the fraction! The reciprocal of 12 \frac{1}{2} is 21 \frac{2}{1} . Then division becomes multiplication: much easier to calculate!

Do I always need to convert the final answer back to a mixed number?

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It depends on the question format! If the original problem used mixed numbers, it's usually best to express your answer as a mixed number too for consistency.

How can I check if my division is correct?

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Use multiplication to verify: 315×12 3\frac{1}{5} \times \frac{1}{2} should equal 135 1\frac{3}{5} . Convert both to improper fractions and multiply!

What if I get confused about which number to flip?

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Always flip the second number (the divisor). In 135÷12 1\frac{3}{5} ÷ \frac{1}{2} , you flip 12 \frac{1}{2} to get 21 \frac{2}{1} , then multiply.

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