Question

Divide and write in simplest form

3 1/3 divided by 2 3/5

Answer 1

Explanation:

If we change those mixed fractions to improper we will have a much easier time with them:

`((10)/(3) )/((13)/(5) )`

Now that looks horrible. The rule for dividing fractions by fractions is a simple one, thankfully. Bring the bottom fraction up next to the top fraction, then flip it upside down and change the sign to multiplication:

`(10)/(3)`×
`(5)/(13)`

Multiply straight across the top and straight across the bottom to get

`(50)/(39)`

Depending upon what your teacher calls "simplest form", this form may be the simplest, or the mixed fraction may be the simplest. The mixed fraction equivalent to this improper is

`1(11)/(39)`