DIVISION: Problem 3

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

1.
Change the tex2html_wrap_inline73 signs to tex2html_wrap_inline75 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 3: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline77 and reduce your answer.
Answer: The answer is 5.

Solution: Convert the whole numbers to a fractions so that the problem

displaymath79

can be written

displaymath81


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

displaymath83

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

displaymath85

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

displaymath87

Check: Now prove to yourself with your calculator that your answer is correct. Use the following steps on your calculator: tex2html_wrap_inline89 If the answer is 5, you have successfully worked this problem.

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Author: Nancy Marcus

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