Chapter 4: Problem 56
Divide the fractions, and simplify your result. $$\frac{-22}{7} \div \frac{-18}{17}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified result is \(\frac{187}{63}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Division of Fractions
To divide one fraction by another, we actually multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction. This means \[\frac{-22}{7} \div \frac{-18}{17} = \frac{-22}{7} \times \frac{17}{-18}\].
02
Multiply the Fractions
Now multiply the numerators together and the denominators together:\[\frac{-22 \times 17}{7 \times -18}\].
03
Calculate the Products
Calculate the product of the numerators and the denominators:\[-22 \times 17 = -374\] and \[7 \times -18 = -126\]. This gives us the fraction:\[\frac{-374}{-126}\].
04
Simplify the Fraction
A fraction with both a negative numerator and denominator becomes positive. Now find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 374 and 126 to simplify the fraction:The GCD is 2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 2:\[\frac{374}{126} = \frac{187}{63}\].
05
Verify Simplification
Check if the simplified fraction can be reduced further by finding GCD of 187 and 63, which is 1. Thus, \(\frac{187}{63}\) is already in its simplest form.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Mathematics Education
Understanding how to divide fractions is a key concept in mathematics education, as it builds essential problem-solving skills. When dealing with fractions, division can initially seem more complex than multiplication. However, the process becomes intuitive once we remember to multiply by the reciprocal.
- Start by flipping the second fraction. This changes division into multiplication, which is typically more straightforward for students.
- Next, multiply the numerators and the denominators separately, maintaining a clear and organized setup of the fractions.
- This process reinforces multiplication skills as students must manage both positive and negative numbers.
Fractions Simplification
Simplifying fractions is a crucial skill that aids in understanding and performing efficient calculations. At the core, simplification makes a fraction as simple as possible while retaining its value.
- Firstly, recognize when both the numerator and the denominator can be divided by the same number. This common factor helps reduce the fraction to its simplest form.
- The simplified form of a fraction reveals the most reduced and useful version of the number.
- In the given exercise, simplifying \(\frac{374}{126}\) to \(\frac{187}{63}\), using their greatest common factor, makes the computation much clearer.
Greatest Common Divisor
The greatest common divisor (GCD) is a key concept in fractions simplification and mathematics. It determines the largest number that can divide two given numbers evenly.
- To find the GCD, list all divisors of each number and identify the largest one common to both.
- The GCD simplifies fractions effectively, aiding in reducing even complex numbers to simpler forms without changing their value.
- This is vital in the simplification process of \(\frac{374}{126}\), as identifying 2 as the GCD allows the reduction to \(\frac{187}{63}\).
- Applying the GCD ensures that students can manage sizable calculations more effectively.