Solve Complex Nested Fraction: 12/(7·(4/(3·(12/(3·2)))) Step-by-Step

Complex Nested Fractions with Mixed Numbers

12/(7(4/(3(12/(32)))))=? 12/(7\cdot(4/(3\cdot(12/(3\cdot2)))))=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Always solve parentheses first, this rule applies within parentheses too
00:07 Start with the innermost parentheses
00:10 Write division as a fraction
00:25 Move the multiplication to the numerator
00:38 Division is also multiplication by the reciprocal
00:53 Move the multiplication to the numerator
01:13 Division is also multiplication by the reciprocal
01:30 Simplify what we can
01:33 Break down 12 into factors 4 and 3
01:40 Break down 12 into factors 2 and 6
01:48 Simplify what we can
01:55 Break down 18 into 14 plus 4
01:59 Break down the fraction into a whole number and remainder
02:09 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

12/(7(4/(3(12/(32)))))=? 12/(7\cdot(4/(3\cdot(12/(3\cdot2)))))=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

First, we start with the innermost parentheses, we rewrite the exercise in fraction form:

12/(7(4/(3(123×2)))= 12/(7\cdot(4/(3\cdot(\frac{12}{3\times2})))=

We associate the 3 in the innermost parenthesis with the multiplication exercise in the numerator and convert the division exerciseinto a multiplication exercise in the next parenthesis:

12/(7(4×(3×23×12))= 12/(7\cdot(4\times(\frac{3\times2}{3\times12}))=

We add the 4 to the multiplication exercise in the numerator of the fraction:

12/(7(4×3×23×12)= 12/(7\cdot(\frac{4\times3\times2}{3\times12})=

We add the 7 to the multiplication exercise in the numerator of the fraction:

12/(7×4×3×23×12)= 12/(\frac{7\times4\times3\times2}{3\times12})=

We convert the exercise into a multiplication by inverting the fraction between numerator and denominator:

12×3×127×4×3×2= 12\times\frac{3\times12}{7\times4\times3\times2}=

We add the 12 to the multiplication exercise in the numerator of the fraction:

12×3×127×4×3×2= \frac{12\times3\times12}{7\times4\times3\times2}=

We simplify the 3 in the numerator and denominator, and break down the 12 in the numerator for a simpler multiplication exercise:

4×3×2×67×4×2= \frac{4\times3\times2\times6}{7\times4\times2}=

We simplify to 4 and 2 in the numerator and denominator:

3×67=187 \frac{3\times6}{7}=\frac{18}{7}

We break down the fraction into a sum exercise:

14+47=147+47=2+47=247 \frac{14+4}{7}=\frac{14}{7}+\frac{4}{7}=2+\frac{4}{7}=2\frac{4}{7}

3

Final Answer

247 2\frac{4}{7}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order of Operations: Always work from innermost parentheses outward systematically
  • Division to Multiplication: Convert a÷bc a \div \frac{b}{c} to a×cb a \times \frac{c}{b}
  • Verification: Check that 247=187 2\frac{4}{7} = \frac{18}{7} when converted back ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Working from outside to inside instead of innermost parentheses first
    Don't start with 12 divided by 7 = wrong order! This violates order of operations and creates incorrect intermediate steps. Always resolve the deepest nested expression first: 12/(3×2) = 2, then work outward step by step.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(5+55)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to start with the innermost parentheses?

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The order of operations (PEMDAS) requires you to solve parentheses from the inside out. Starting anywhere else breaks this rule and gives wrong answers!

How do I convert division by a fraction to multiplication?

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Remember: dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So a÷bc=a×cb a \div \frac{b}{c} = a \times \frac{c}{b}

What's the difference between 18/7 and 2 4/7?

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They're the same value in different forms! 187 \frac{18}{7} is an improper fraction, while 247 2\frac{4}{7} is a mixed number. Convert by dividing: 18 ÷ 7 = 2 remainder 4.

Can I simplify fractions during the calculation?

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Yes! Simplifying common factors like the 3's and 4's makes the arithmetic much easier. Just make sure you don't cancel incorrectly across addition or subtraction.

How do I check if my final answer is correct?

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Substitute 247 2\frac{4}{7} back into the original expression and verify you get 247 2\frac{4}{7} . Also check that 187=2.571... \frac{18}{7} = 2.571... makes sense ✓

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