Work out 3 and 1/2 divided by 2 and 4/5

Start by converting these mixed numbers into top-heavy fractions: 3 and 1/2 becomes 7/2 (3x2=6; 6+1=7)2 and 4/5 becomes 14/5 (2x5=10; 10+4=14)Then use the 'KFC' formula - 'Keep it, flip it, calculate it': So we keep the first fraction as it is - 7/2 stays as 7/2. We then 'flip' both the sign and the second fraction - divided by becomes multiply by, and 14/5 becomes 5/14So our new equation is: 7/2 x 5/14 = ? This is much easier to work out in this form than in the form the question gives.So, as with a normal fraction multiplication, we multiply the top numbers together, and multiply the bottom numbers: 7x5=35; 2x14=28. So our answer is: 35/28But we can simplify this - both 35 and 28 divide by 7:35/7 = 528/7 = 4. So our simplified answer is: 5/4. Because the question gives the fractions as mixed numbers, we should give our answer as a mixed number too. So we write 5/4 as 1 and 1/4.

SM
Answered by Sarah M. Maths tutor

7151 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the inequality. x^2 + 2x -15 > 0


How do I find the expression for the nth term in a series of numbers?


Expand the brackets (x-3)(x+4)


A 20-foot ladder is leaning against a vertical wall. The bottom of the ladder is pulled away horizontally from the wall at 3 feet per second. How fast is the top of the ladder sliding down the wall when the bottom of the ladder is 10 feet away?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences