Solve the Fraction Division: 3/4 ÷ 1/6 Step-by-Step

Fraction Division with Reciprocal Multiplication

Solve the following exercise:

34:16=? \frac{3}{4}:\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Instead of division, we'll use multiplication by the reciprocal
00:09 We'll swap the numerator and denominator of the fraction
00:16 Make sure to multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator
00:22 Calculate the multiplications
00:29 Break down 18 into 16 plus 2
00:36 Break down the fraction into a whole number and remainder
00:44 Convert from improper fraction to whole number
00:50 Reduce the fraction as much as possible
00:56 Calculate the quotients
01:00 Convert to mixed fraction
01:03 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

Solve the following exercise:

34:16=? \frac{3}{4}:\frac{1}{6}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the division of fractions problem 34:16 \frac{3}{4}:\frac{1}{6} , we will use multiplication by the reciprocal. Let us break down the steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the fractions. The first fraction is 34 \frac{3}{4} and the second fraction is 16 \frac{1}{6} .
  • Step 2: Find the reciprocal of the second fraction. The reciprocal of 16 \frac{1}{6} is 61 \frac{6}{1} or just 6 6 .
  • Step 3: Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction:

34×61=3×64×1=184 \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{6}{1} = \frac{3 \times 6}{4 \times 1} = \frac{18}{4}

  • Step 4: Simplify the resulting fraction. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD), which is 2:

184=18÷24÷2=92 \frac{18}{4} = \frac{18 \div 2}{4 \div 2} = \frac{9}{2}

  • Step 5: Convert the improper fraction to a mixed number. Divide 9 by 2, which gives 4 with a remainder of 1:

92=412 \frac{9}{2} = 4\frac{1}{2}

Thus, the solution to the problem 34:16 \frac{3}{4}:\frac{1}{6} is 412 4\frac{1}{2} .

3

Final Answer

412 4\frac{1}{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Division by a fraction equals multiplication by its reciprocal
  • Technique: Change 34÷16 \frac{3}{4} ÷ \frac{1}{6} to 34×61 \frac{3}{4} × \frac{6}{1}
  • Check: Convert improper fraction 92 \frac{9}{2} to mixed number 412 4\frac{1}{2}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Attempting to divide numerators and denominators directly
    Don't divide 3÷1=3 and 4÷6=⅔ to get 3⅔ = wrong answer! This ignores the proper order of operations and fraction rules. Always flip the second fraction first, then multiply across.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I flip the second fraction instead of the first one?

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Division means "how many times does the divisor fit into the dividend." When you have 34÷16 \frac{3}{4} ÷ \frac{1}{6} , you're asking how many one-sixths fit into three-fourths. Flipping the divisor (second fraction) gives you the multiplication that answers this question.

What's the difference between ÷ and : symbols?

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Both symbols mean division and work exactly the same way! The colon (:) is just another way to write division, commonly used in many countries. Whether you see ÷ or :, always use the reciprocal method.

How do I know when to convert to a mixed number?

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Convert to a mixed number when your final answer is an improper fraction (numerator larger than denominator). Mixed numbers like 412 4\frac{1}{2} are easier to understand than 92 \frac{9}{2} .

Can I simplify before multiplying?

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Yes! You can cross-cancel common factors before multiplying. For example, in 34×61 \frac{3}{4} × \frac{6}{1} , you could cancel the 3 and 6 first, but it's often easier to multiply first and then simplify.

What if I get a whole number as my answer?

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That's perfectly fine! Some fraction divisions result in whole numbers. For example, 12÷14=2 \frac{1}{2} ÷ \frac{1}{4} = 2 . Always double-check by seeing if your answer makes sense.

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