Fractions can sometimes seem a bit intimidating, especially when you start throwing in mixed numbers and division. But don’t worry, breaking them down step-by-step can make them much easier to handle. Today, we’re going to tackle a specific fraction problem together.
We’ll explore how to divide the mixed number 3 3/4 by 2. You might be using this in a recipe, helping a child with homework, or just brushing up on your math skills. No matter the reason, let’s make this process clear and straightforward.
Understanding 3 3/4 Divided by 2 in Fraction Form
First, lets convert the mixed number 3 3/4 into an improper fraction. To do this, multiply the whole number (3) by the denominator (4), which gives you 12. Then, add the numerator (3) to that result, giving you 15. Keep the original denominator. So, 3 3/4 becomes 15/4.
Now that we have our mixed number as an improper fraction, we can think about division. Dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of 2 (which can be written as 2/1) is 1/2. This is an essential trick to simplify the division process.
Now, we can rewrite our problem as a multiplication problem: 15/4 multiplied by 1/2. To multiply fractions, you simply multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. So, 15 multiplied by 1 is 15, and 4 multiplied by 2 is 8. This gives us the fraction 15/8.
The fraction 15/8 is an improper fraction, meaning the numerator is larger than the denominator. To convert it back into a mixed number, divide 15 by 8. 8 goes into 15 one time with a remainder of 7. So, 15/8 is equal to 1 7/8. And that’s your final answer!
Let’s recap: We converted 3 3/4 to 15/4, divided by 2 by multiplying by its reciprocal (1/2), resulting in 15/8, which simplified to 1 7/8. See? Not so scary when you break it down into manageable steps. Fractions are much easier when you understand each step of the process.
So, the next time you come across a fraction division problem, remember these simple steps. Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions, change division to multiplication by the reciprocal, multiply across, and then simplify if needed. With a little practice, you’ll be a fraction whiz in no time, ready to tackle any recipe or math problem that comes your way.