Question

I am in basic math an need help. so what is 2 1/4 divided by 1/2 I keep getting 4 1/2 what an I doing wrong

Answer 1

In order to divide a mixed number by a fraction we have to take into account:

- It is easier to convert the mixed number into an equivalent fraction.

- Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by the reciprocal of that fraction.

In this case, we have to divide the number 2 1/4 by 1/2.

We start by converting it to a fraction:

`2+(1)/(4)=(2\cdot4+1)/(4)=(8+1)/(4)=(9)/(4)`

Then, we have to divide it by 1/2. As we state before, this is the same as multiply by the reciprocal: 2/1, so we have:

`((9)/(4))/((1)/(2))=(9)/(4)\cdot(2)/(1)=(18)/(4)=(16+2)/(4)=(16)/(4)+(2)/(4)=4+(1)/(2)`

Answer: 4 1/2