Dividing Mixed Numbers and Whole Numbers

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Example 1 Mixed number division with a whole number

2		5	1
---	/		---	=	---
3			2

Before you divide, you must change the mixed number to an improper fraction. Do the circle method which means to mutliply the denomionator 2 times the whole number 5. This gives you 10. Then add the numerator 1. This gives 10+1=11. Then put over the denominator of 2. Thus the problem now reads:

2		11		?
---	/	---	=	---
3		2		?

To divide , you multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction (the divisor). The reciprocal is the fraction flipped over. Put 11 over 2 and flip. Then use the rules of multiplying . The problem now reads:

2		2		?
---	x	---	=	---
3		11		?

You may also cancel if possible. Remember to cancel you must factor a numerator with a denominator.

2		2		4
---	x	---	=	---
3		11		33

Since your answer is a proper fraction you do not have to change it to a mixed number.

Then reduce your answer if you do not cancel. In this problem we could not cancel. Since you cannot cancel, you cannot reduce since your answer is in lowest terms. The advantage to cancelling is that you do not have to reduce your answer when finished.