Question

Six hikers shared 4 1/2 lbs of trail mix. How much trail mix did each hiker receive?

Answer 1

6 hikers = 4.5 lbs of trail mix

4.5 divided by 6= .75 lbs each hiker.

Answer 2

Divide 4 1/2 lb by 6 to determine the share given to each of the 6 hikers:
                                  
4 1/2 divided by 6 is the same as 9/2 divided by 6, or   

  9      1      9
--- * ---- = -------  = 3/4 lb.     (answer)
 2      6        12

Check by mult. 3/4   lb by 6:     18/4 = 9/2 = 4 1/2 lb.  This is correct.