Dividing Mixed Numbers: 1 1/4 Divided by 1 1/2
Dividing mixed numbers can seem tricky, but it's actually quite simple once you break it down into steps. Here's how to solve 1 1/4 divided by 1 1/2:
1. Convert Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
-
1 1/4: Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator (4) and add the numerator (1). Keep the same denominator.
- (1 * 4) + 1 = 5
- 1 1/4 becomes 5/4
-
1 1/2: Do the same process.
- (1 * 2) + 1 = 3
- 1 1/2 becomes 3/2
2. Invert the Divisor and Multiply
- Divisor: The number we are dividing by (in this case, 3/2)
- Inverting: Flipping the fraction (3/2 becomes 2/3)
Now our problem looks like this: 5/4 x 2/3
3. Multiply the Numerators and Denominators
- (5 x 2) = 10
- (4 x 3) = 12
This gives us 10/12
4. Simplify the Fraction (if possible)
- Both 10 and 12 are divisible by 2.
- 10/2 = 5
- 12/2 = 6
Therefore, 1 1/4 divided by 1 1/2 is 5/6.