Solve Mixed Number Division: 3⅝ ÷ 1½ Step-by-Step

Mixed Number Division with Reciprocal Method

358:112= 3\frac{5}{8}:1\frac{1}{2}=

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 Let's start by solving the problem, step by step.
00:11 First, change mixed fractions into improper fractions.
00:32 Next, write the division as a fraction.
00:36 Then, multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
00:40 Now let's calculate these multiplications.
00:45 After that, convert the result back to a mixed fraction.
00:55 Break down fifty-eight into forty-eight plus ten.
01:00 Now, separate it into a whole number and a remainder.
01:05 Simplify or reduce wherever you can.
01:10 Turn the proper fraction into a whole number and add it to your mixed number.
01:15 And that's how we solve this problem. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

358:112= 3\frac{5}{8}:1\frac{1}{2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we need to proceed through the following steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
  • Step 2: Divide the improper fractions using multiplication by the reciprocal.
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction and convert back to a mixed number.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Convert
For 358 3\frac{5}{8} , multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 8 and add the numerator 5:
3×8+5=24+5=29 3 \times 8 + 5 = 24 + 5 = 29
<=><=> This gives us the improper fraction 298\frac{29}{8}.

For 112 1\frac{1}{2} , multiply the whole number 1 by the denominator 2 and add the numerator 1:
1×2+1=2+1=3 1 \times 2 + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3
<=><=> This gives us the improper fraction 32\frac{3}{2}.

Step 2: Divide the improper fractions.
298÷32\frac{29}{8} \div \frac{3}{2} becomes 298×23\frac{29}{8} \times \frac{2}{3}.
Multiply the numerators and the denominators:
29×28×3=5824\frac{29 \times 2}{8 \times 3} = \frac{58}{24}.

Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction.
Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2:
58÷224÷2=2912\frac{58 \div 2}{24 \div 2} = \frac{29}{12}.
Convert 2912\frac{29}{12} into a mixed number:
29÷12=2 remainder 5 29 \div 12 = 2 \text{ remainder } 5
Thus, it becomes 2512 2\frac{5}{12}.

Therefore, the division of 358 3\frac{5}{8} by 112 1\frac{1}{2} yields 2512 2\frac{5}{12} .

3

Final Answer

2512 2\frac{5}{12}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before dividing
  • Technique: Change division to multiplication: 298÷32=298×23 \frac{29}{8} \div \frac{3}{2} = \frac{29}{8} \times \frac{2}{3}
  • Check: Verify by multiplying answer by divisor: 2512×112=358 2\frac{5}{12} \times 1\frac{1}{2} = 3\frac{5}{8}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing whole numbers and fractions separately
    Don't divide 3 by 1 and 5/8 by 1/2 separately = wrong method! This ignores the proper structure of mixed numbers and gives incorrect results. Always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first, then use the reciprocal method.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 1\frac{4}{5}\times1\frac{1}{3}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first?

+

Mixed numbers have two parts (whole and fraction) that can't be divided separately. Converting to improper fractions gives you one single fraction that follows division rules properly.

How do I remember which fraction to flip when dividing?

+

Always flip the second fraction (the divisor)! Think "Keep, Change, Flip" - keep the first fraction, change ÷ to ×, flip the second fraction.

What if my answer is an improper fraction?

+

That's normal! Just convert it back to a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator. The quotient becomes the whole number, and the remainder becomes the new numerator.

Do I always need to simplify my final answer?

+

Yes! Always check if your fraction can be simplified by finding the greatest common divisor of the numerator and denominator, like we did with 5824=2912 \frac{58}{24} = \frac{29}{12} .

Can I use decimals instead of fractions?

+

You could, but fractions give you the exact answer. Decimals might be repeating or rounded, making your final answer less precise. Stick with fractions for accuracy!

How can I check if my division is correct?

+

Multiply your answer by the original divisor - you should get the original dividend! For example: 2512×112 2\frac{5}{12} \times 1\frac{1}{2} should equal 358 3\frac{5}{8} .

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Mixed Fractions questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations