Final answer:
To divide 42 by 2 1/3, convert the mixed number to an improper fraction and then divide by multiplying by the reciprocal.
Step-by-step explanation:
To divide 42 by 2 1/3, we need to convert the mixed number 2 1/3 into an improper fraction. To do this, we multiply the whole number (2) by the denominator (3), which equals 6. Then we add the numerator (1) to get 7. So, 2 1/3 as an improper fraction is 7/3.
Now, we can divide 42 by 7/3. To divide by a fraction, we can multiply by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of 7/3 is 3/7. Therefore, 42 divided by 7/3 is equal to 42 multiplied by 3/7.
Multiplying 42 by 3/7 gives us (42 * 3) / 7 = 126 / 7 = 18. Therefore, 42 divided by 2 1/3 equals 18.
Learn more about Dividing mixed numbers