Solve Mixed Number Division: 2½ ÷ ⅔ Step-by-Step

Fraction Division with Mixed Number Conversion

212:23= 2\frac{1}{2}:\frac{2}{3}=

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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
00:10 Calculate the numerator and substitute back in our exercise
00:17 Convert division to multiplication by reciprocal
00:28 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:36 Calculate the products
00:39 Now convert to mixed number
00:43 Break down 15 into 12 plus 3
00:48 Break down the fraction into whole number and remainder
00:52 Convert proper fraction to whole number and combine with mixed number
00:57 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

212:23= 2\frac{1}{2}:\frac{2}{3}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Find the reciprocal of the divisor fraction.
  • Step 3: Multiply the two fractions.
  • Step 4: Convert the result back to a mixed number.

Now, let's work through each step:


Step 1: Convert the mixed number.
The mixed number 2122\frac{1}{2} is converted to an improper fraction as follows:
212=2×2+12=522\frac{1}{2} = \frac{2 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}


Step 2: Find the reciprocal of the divisor.
The reciprocal of 23\frac{2}{3} is 32\frac{3}{2}.


Step 3: Multiply the two fractions.
Now we multiply 52\frac{5}{2} by 32\frac{3}{2}:
52×32=5×32×2=154\frac{5}{2} \times \frac{3}{2} = \frac{5 \times 3}{2 \times 2} = \frac{15}{4}


Step 4: Convert the result back to a mixed number.
Convert 154\frac{15}{4} to a mixed number:
15 divided by 4 gives a quotient of 3 and a remainder of 3, so:
154=334\frac{15}{4} = 3\frac{3}{4}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 3343\frac{3}{4}.

3

Final Answer

334 3\frac{3}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before dividing
  • Technique: Multiply by reciprocal: 52×32=154 \frac{5}{2} \times \frac{3}{2} = \frac{15}{4}
  • Check: Convert back to mixed number: 15 ÷ 4 = 3 remainder 3 = 334 3\frac{3}{4}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing mixed numbers directly without converting
    Don't divide 212 2\frac{1}{2} by 23 \frac{2}{3} as separate whole and fraction parts = confusing mess! This leads to incorrect calculations and wrong answers. Always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first, then use multiply-by-reciprocal rule.

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 have two parts (whole number + fraction), which makes division complicated. Converting to an improper fraction gives you one single fraction that's much easier to work with using the standard division rules.

How do I remember which number gets flipped?

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Always flip the second number (the divisor)! Think: "Keep, Change, Flip" - keep the first fraction, change division to multiplication, flip the second fraction.

What if I forget to convert back to a mixed number?

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If the answer choices are mixed numbers, you must convert! Divide the numerator by denominator: quotient becomes whole number, remainder becomes new numerator.

Can I simplify before multiplying?

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Yes! Look for common factors between numerators and denominators. For example, if you have 68×49 \frac{6}{8} \times \frac{4}{9} , you can cancel the 4 and 8 first.

How do I check if my final answer is correct?

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Multiply your answer by the original divisor - you should get the original dividend! So 334×23 3\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{2}{3} should equal 212 2\frac{1}{2} .

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