Solve Mixed Number Division: 7½ ÷ 2¼ Step by Step

Mixed Number Division with Reciprocal Method

712:214= 7\frac{1}{2}:2\frac{1}{4}=

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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 fractions to fractions
00:23 Write division as a fraction
00:29 Multiply by the reciprocal
00:38 Calculate the multiplications
00:43 Now convert to mixed fraction
00:48 Break down 60 into 54 plus 6
00:53 Break down the fraction into whole number and remainder
01:00 Reduce what's possible
01:04 Convert proper fraction to whole number and add to mixed number
01:09 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

712:214= 7\frac{1}{2}:2\frac{1}{4}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Divide by multiplying by the reciprocal.
  • Step 3: Simplify the result.

Now, let's work through the steps:

Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
For 7127\frac{1}{2}, convert it as follows: 712=7×2+12=152 7\frac{1}{2} = \frac{7 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{15}{2} .
For 2142\frac{1}{4}, convert it as follows: 214=2×4+14=94 2\frac{1}{4} = \frac{2 \times 4 + 1}{4} = \frac{9}{4} .

Step 2: To divide 152\frac{15}{2} by 94\frac{9}{4}, multiply 152\frac{15}{2} by the reciprocal of 94\frac{9}{4}:
152×49 \frac{15}{2} \times \frac{4}{9} .

Step 3: Multiply and simplify the fractions:
15×42×9=6018 \frac{15 \times 4}{2 \times 9} = \frac{60}{18} .

Now simplify 6018\frac{60}{18} by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 6:
60÷618÷6=103 \frac{60 \div 6}{18 \div 6} = \frac{10}{3} .

Convert 103\frac{10}{3} back to a mixed number:

The whole number part is 10÷3=310 \div 3 = 3 with a remainder of 1. Thus, the mixed number is 3133\frac{1}{3}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 313 3\frac{1}{3} .

3

Final Answer

313 3\frac{1}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Conversion: Change mixed numbers to improper fractions first
  • Division Rule: Multiply by reciprocal: 152×49=6018 \frac{15}{2} \times \frac{4}{9} = \frac{60}{18}
  • Verification: Convert back to mixed number and check: 313×214=712 3\frac{1}{3} \times 2\frac{1}{4} = 7\frac{1}{2}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing mixed numbers without converting to improper fractions
    Don't try to divide 712÷214 7\frac{1}{2} ÷ 2\frac{1}{4} directly = confusing and wrong answers! This makes it impossible to apply the division rule correctly. Always convert to improper fractions first: 152÷94 \frac{15}{2} ÷ \frac{9}{4} , then multiply by the reciprocal.

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 can't I just divide the whole numbers and fractions separately?

+

Dividing whole numbers and fractions separately doesn't follow the rules of division! Mixed numbers represent single values, so 712 7\frac{1}{2} must be treated as one number, not as 7 and 12 \frac{1}{2} .

How do I remember to multiply by the reciprocal?

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Think "flip and multiply"! When you see division of fractions, flip the second fraction (reciprocal) and change ÷ to ×. So 152÷94 \frac{15}{2} ÷ \frac{9}{4} becomes 152×49 \frac{15}{2} × \frac{4}{9} .

What if I forget to simplify my final answer?

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Always simplify fractions to lowest terms! 6018 \frac{60}{18} looks messy, but 103 \frac{10}{3} or 313 3\frac{1}{3} is much cleaner. Divide both numerator and denominator by their GCD.

How do I convert improper fractions back to mixed numbers?

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Divide the numerator by the denominator! For 103 \frac{10}{3} :

  • 10 ÷ 3 = 3 remainder 1
  • So 103=313 \frac{10}{3} = 3\frac{1}{3}

Can I check my answer by multiplying backwards?

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Yes! Multiply your answer by the divisor to get the original dividend: 313×214 3\frac{1}{3} × 2\frac{1}{4} should equal 712 7\frac{1}{2} . This is the best way to verify!

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