Question

3-125. solve the following problems without paper or pencil. just write the answer but be ready to explain your thinking. homework help

a. $2\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{2}$

b. $2\frac{2}{3} \div \frac{1}{3}$

Explanation:

Part a

Step1: Convert mixed number to improper fraction

\(2\frac{1}{2}=\frac{2\times2 + 1}{2}=\frac{5}{2}\)

Step2: Divide by multiplying by reciprocal

\(\frac{5}{2}\div\frac{1}{2}=\frac{5}{2}\times\frac{2}{1}\)

Step3: Simplify the product

\(\frac{5\times2}{2\times1}=5\)

Step1: Convert mixed number to improper fraction

\(2\frac{2}{3}=\frac{2\times3 + 2}{3}=\frac{8}{3}\)

Step2: Divide by multiplying by reciprocal

\(\frac{8}{3}\div\frac{1}{3}=\frac{8}{3}\times\frac{3}{1}\)

Step3: Simplify the product

\(\frac{8\times3}{3\times1}=8\)

Answer:

\(5\)

Part b