Chapter 3: Problem 63
These problems review the four basic operations with fractions from this chapter. Perform the indicated operations. $$\frac{2}{3} \div 4$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{2}{3} \div 4 = \frac{1}{6} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are asked to divide the fraction \( \frac{2}{3} \) by the whole number 4. Dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.
02
Convert Whole Number to Fraction
The whole number 4 can be expressed as a fraction by putting it over 1. So, 4 becomes \( \frac{4}{1} \).
03
Take the Reciprocal
The reciprocal of \( \frac{4}{1} \) is \( \frac{1}{4} \).
04
Set Up Multiplication Problem
Now change the division problem \( \frac{2}{3} \div 4 \) to a multiplication problem with the reciprocal: \( \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{4} \).
05
Multiply the Fractions
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together: \( \frac{2 \times 1}{3 \times 4} = \frac{2}{12} \).
06
Simplify the Fraction
The fraction \( \frac{2}{12} \) can be simplified. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 2 and 12, which is 2, and divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2: \( \frac{2 \div 2}{12 \div 2} = \frac{1}{6} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Basic Operations with Fractions
Working with fractions involves four basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Understanding these operations is essential in math, especially when dealing with problems that require different calculations.
- **Addition and Subtraction:** To add or subtract fractions, you need a common denominator. This means the denominators (bottom numbers) should be the same.
- **Multiplication:** When multiplying fractions, you multiply the numerators (top numbers) together and the denominators together. This creates a new fraction.
- **Division:** Dividing fractions involves multiplying by the reciprocal. This is a key trick that simplifies many problems where division is involved.
Multiplying Fractions
Multiplying fractions is simpler than it sounds, and this operation doesn’t require a common denominator. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- **Multiply Numerators:** First, multiply the numerators together. In our example, the numerators are 2 and 1. So, 2 times 1 equals 2.
- **Multiply Denominators:** Next, do the same for the denominators. You have 3 and 4, so 3 times 4 equals 12.
- **Resulting Fraction:** The resulting fraction from multiplying the numerators and denominators is \( \frac{2}{12} \).
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying or reducing fractions helps in expressing them in their simplest form. It often makes calculations easier and results clearer.
- **Find the GCD:** To simplify \( \frac{2}{12} \), find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. In this case, it is 2.
- **Divide Numerator and Denominator:** Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD. For \( \frac{2}{12} \), divide 2 by 2 and 12 by 2 to get \( \frac{1}{6} \).