Chapter 3: Problem 21
What is the quotient of \(7 \frac{2}{3} \div 2 \frac{1}{2}\) ? Leave the answer as a reduced improper fraction. Write the correct numerator in the box.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The quotient is \(\frac{46}{15}\). The numerator is 46.
Step by step solution
01
Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
First, convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions. For \(7 \frac{2}{3}\), multiply the whole number 7 by the denominator 3, and then add the numerator 2. The result is the new numerator: \(7 \times 3 + 2 = 21 + 2 = 23\). So, \(7 \frac{2}{3} = \frac{23}{3}\).For \(2 \frac{1}{2}\), multiply the whole number 2 by the denominator 2, and then add the numerator 1. The result is the new numerator: \(2 \times 2 + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5\). So, \(2 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}\).
02
Write the Division as a Multiplication
Rewrite the division of fractions as the multiplication of the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. This means we change \(\frac{23}{3} \div \frac{5}{2}\) to \(\frac{23}{3} \times \frac{2}{5}\).
03
Multiply the Fractions
To multiply the fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together:\(\frac{23}{3} \times \frac{2}{5} = \frac{23 \times 2}{3 \times 5} = \frac{46}{15}\).
04
Simplify the Fraction
Check if the fraction can be simplified. The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 46 and 15 is 1, so the fraction \(\frac{46}{15}\) is already in its simplest form. The final answer remains \(\frac{46}{15}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
mixed numbers
Mixed numbers are numbers that contain both a whole number and a fraction part. For example, in the number \(7 \frac{2}{3}\), 7 is the whole number and \(\frac{2}{3}\) is the fraction part. Mixed numbers are often used in day-to-day life.
To perform arithmetic operations with mixed numbers, it's easier if we convert them into improper fractions. This simplifies calculations. An improper fraction has a numerator larger than its denominator. To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, follow these steps:
For example, converting \(7 \frac{2}{3}\) to an improper fraction:
To perform arithmetic operations with mixed numbers, it's easier if we convert them into improper fractions. This simplifies calculations. An improper fraction has a numerator larger than its denominator. To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, follow these steps:
- Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction
- Add the numerator of the fraction to the result
- This gives you the new numerator, which you place over the original denominator
For example, converting \(7 \frac{2}{3}\) to an improper fraction:
- Multiply 7 (whole number) by 3 (denominator): 7 × 3 = 21
- Add the numerator: 21 + 2 = 23
- So, \(7 \frac{2}{3}\) is \(\frac{23}{3}\)
improper fractions
Improper fractions have a numerator that is greater than or equal to the denominator. These fractions represent values greater than or equal to 1. In mathematical operations, improper fractions are highly versatile.
Once a mixed number is converted to an improper fraction, arithmetic calculations become straightforward. For example: \(7 \frac{2}{3}\) is converted to \(\frac{23}{3}\), making it easier to handle in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Here’s a quick recap:
Once a mixed number is converted to an improper fraction, arithmetic calculations become straightforward. For example: \(7 \frac{2}{3}\) is converted to \(\frac{23}{3}\), making it easier to handle in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Improper fractions simplify complex mixed numbers
- They aid in straightforward arithmetic operations
- They are useful in converting between different types of fractions
reciprocal
A reciprocal of a fraction is simply flipping its numerator and denominator. For instance, the reciprocal of \(\frac{5}{2}\) is \(\frac{2}{5}\).
Reciprocals are especially useful when dividing fractions. When we divide by a fraction, we multiply by its reciprocal. For example:
Reciprocals are especially useful when dividing fractions. When we divide by a fraction, we multiply by its reciprocal. For example:
- The reciprocal of \(\frac{5}{2}\) is \(\frac{2}{5}\)
- So, \(\frac{23}{3} \div \frac{5}{2}\) becomes \(\frac{23}{3} \times \frac{2}{5}\)
simplifying fractions
Simplifying fractions means reducing them to their simplest form. A fraction is in its simplest form if the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of its numerator and denominator is 1. For example, if we have \(\frac{46}{15}\), we need to check:
- Find the GCD of 46 and 15, which is 1
- Since the GCD is 1, \(\frac{46}{15}\) is already in its simplest form