DIVISION: Problem 1

Rule 16: To divide three or more fractions, complete the following three steps.

1.
Change the tex2html_wrap_inline55 signs to tex2html_wrap_inline57 sign and invert the fractions to the right of the signs.
2.
Multiply the numerators.
3.
Multiply the denominators.
4.
Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)
a.
Factor the product of the numerators.
b.
Factor the product of the denominators.
c.
Look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

Problem 1: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline59 and reduce your answer.

Answer: The answer is 1.

Solution: Change the division signs to multiplication signs and invert the fractions to the right of the signs.

displaymath61

Multiply the numerators and the denominators, but leave them in factored form.

displaymath63

Factor the numerator and the denominator and look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

displaymath65

Check: Now prove to yourself with your calculator that your answer is correct. Use the following steps on your calculator: (5 tex2html_wrap_inline55 18) tex2html_wrap_inline55 (10 tex2html_wrap_inline55 9) tex2html_wrap_inline55 (1 tex2html_wrap_inline55 4) If the answer is 1, you have successfully worked this problem.

[Next Problem] [Menu Back]

S.O.S MATHematics home page

Do you need more help? Please post your question on our S.O.S. Mathematics CyberBoard.

Author: Nancy Marcus

Copyright © 1999-2024 MathMedics, LLC. All rights reserved.
Contact us
Math Medics, LLC. - P.O. Box 12395 - El Paso TX 79913 - USA
users online during the last hour