Dividing Mixed Numbers: 1 3/4 Cups Divided by 2
This article will guide you through dividing a mixed number, specifically 1 3/4 cups, by 2.
Understanding the Problem
We are tasked with dividing a quantity of 1 3/4 cups into two equal portions. This can be represented mathematically as:
(1 3/4) / 2
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
Before we can divide, it's helpful to convert the mixed number (1 3/4) into an improper fraction.
- Multiply the whole number by the denominator: 1 x 4 = 4
- Add the numerator: 4 + 3 = 7
- Keep the same denominator: 7/4
Now our problem looks like this:
(7/4) / 2
Dividing by a Whole Number
To divide a fraction by a whole number, we multiply the fraction by the reciprocal of the whole number. The reciprocal of 2 is 1/2.
(7/4) * (1/2)
Multiplying Fractions
To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators and the denominators.
(7 * 1) / (4 * 2) = 7/8
Answer
Therefore, 1 3/4 cups divided by 2 is 7/8 of a cup.