Question

2 1/2 divided by (-1 3/4)

Answer 1

Answer:

  -1 3/7

Step-by-step explanation:

If your calculator doesn't do this directly, you can convert each of the numbers to an improper fraction and do the fraction division.

  2 1/2 = 5/2

  -1 3/4 = -7/4

Then the division is ...

  (5/2)/(-7/4) = -(10/4)/(7/4) = -10/7 = -1 3/7 . . . . . using same denominators

  (5/2)/(-7/4) = -(5/2)(4/7) = -10/7 = -1 3/7 . . . . . . using "invert and multiply"

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Comment on dividing fractions

You can always divide fractions using the "invert and multiply" technique. The quantity inverted is the denominator. That is, dividing by a value is the same as multiplying by the inverse of that value:

  (a/b) / (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c) = (ad)/(bc)

It is often useful to cancel common factors from numerator and denominator before doing the multiplication.

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When the two fractions being divided have the same denominator, their quotient is the ratio of their numerators:

  (a/b) / (c/b) = a/c

Sometimes, it is easy to adjust the denominators to be the same value, making this method of division the one of choice.

Answer 2

Answer:

-1 3/7

Step-by-step explanation:

$-1 \frac{3}{7}$