Question

When the smaller of two fractions is divided by the larger, the result is 7/9. Of the smaller is 8/3, find the larger.

Answer 1

Larger fraction = 24/7

Explanation:

Given that:

Smaller fraction = 8/3

Larger fraction = ?

Let the larger fraction is x/y then according to the statement:

8/3 / x/y = 7/9

Rule: When there is a fraction in the denominator of a fraction, the lower fraction is reversed and multiplied with the upper one.

So, according to rule:

8/3 * y/x = 7/9

8y/ 3x = 7/9

Now multiplying both sides by 3/8 we get

8y/ 3x * 3/8 = 7/9 *3/8

After cancellation:

y/x = 21/ 72

By reducing it to lowest form (dividing both by 3)

We ge:

y / x = 7/ 24

This means y= 7

x = 24

So the larger fraction will become: x/y =24/7

• Proof:

Smaller fraction / Larger fraction = 7/9

8/3 / 24/7 = 7/9

Applying Rule:

8/3 * 7/24 = 7/9

56/ 72 = 7/9

Reducing it to lowest fraction: (dividing both by 8)

7/9 = 7/9

Hence proved

I hope it will help you!