Rule 16: DIVISION

To divide three or more fractions, complete the following three steps.

1.

Change the signs to sign and invert the fractions to the right of the signs.

2.

Multiply the numerators.

3.

Multiply the denominators.

4.

Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)

a.: Factor the product of the numerators.
b.: Factor the product of the denominators.
c.

Example : Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline76

and reduce the answer.

Answer: The answer is

Solution: Change the division signs to multiplication signs and invert the fractions to the right of the signs. tex2html_wrap_inline80

Multiply the numerators and the denominators, but leave them in factored form. tex2html_wrap_inline82

Factor the numerator and the denominator and look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

Check: Now prove to yourself with your calculator that your answer is correct. Use the following steps on your calculator:

Now calculate 10 divided by 27. If you are correct, the answers are the same (equivalent) and you have successfully performed a division problem with three fractions.

If you are interested in reviewing another example, click on the word Example.

Work the following problems and click on Answer to check your results.

Problem 1: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline88

and reduce your answer.

Answer

Problem 2: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline90

and reduce your answer.

Answer

Problem 3: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline92

and reduce your answer.

Answer

Problem 4: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline94

and reduce your answer.

Answer

Problem 5: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline96

and reduce your answer.

Answer

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Author: Nancy Marcus