Question

5 ¼ divided by -2 1/2

Answer 1

To divide 5 ¼ by -2 ½, you need to convert these mixed numbers into improper fractions and then perform the division. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
5 ¼ = (5 * 4 + 1) / 4 = 21/4
-2 ½ = (-2 * 2 + 1) / 2 = -5/2

Step 2: Invert the divisor and change the division operation to multiplication.
The division problem becomes: 21/4 ÷ -5/2 = 21/4 * -2/5

Step 3: Multiply the numerators and denominators.
(21 * -2) / (4 * 5) = -42/20

Step 4: Simplify the fraction.
-42/20 can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.
-42/20 = (-42 ÷ 2) / (20 ÷ 2) = -21/10

Therefore, 5 ¼ divided by -2 ½ is equal to -21/10.

Answer 2

-2 1/10

Explanation:

To simplify the division of 5 1/4 by -2 1/2:

1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:

`5(1)/(4) = (21)/(4)\\\\ -2(1)/(2) = -(5)/(2) \\`

2. Divide the fractions:

`(21)/(4) / -(5)/(2) \\`

3. Simplify by multiplying by the reciprocal:

`(21)/(4) * -(2)/(5)= -(21)/(10) \\`

4. Express the result as a mixed number:

`-(21)/(10) = -2(1)/(10)`