Solve Mixed Number Division: 4¼ ÷ 2⅛ Step-by-Step

Mixed Number Division with Reciprocal Method

414:218= 4\frac{1}{4}:2\frac{1}{8}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:04 Convert mixed fractions to fractions
00:17 Calculate the numerators
00:24 Write division as a fraction
00:28 Multiply by the reciprocal
00:36 Calculate the products
00:45 Calculate the quotient
00:49 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

414:218= 4\frac{1}{4}:2\frac{1}{8}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Perform the division by multiplying by the reciprocal of the divisor.
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Convert the mixed number 4144\frac{1}{4} to an improper fraction. This is done by multiplying the whole number by the denominator and adding the numerator: 4×4+1=174 \times 4 + 1 = 17. So, 414=1744\frac{1}{4} = \frac{17}{4}.
Convert 2182\frac{1}{8} to an improper fraction: 2×8+1=172 \times 8 + 1 = 17. Therefore, 218=1782\frac{1}{8} = \frac{17}{8}.

Step 2: Divide the fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal of the divisor. In this case, divide 174\frac{17}{4} by 178\frac{17}{8}, which is equivalent to multiplying 174\frac{17}{4} by 817\frac{8}{17}:
174×817=17×84×17=13668\frac{17}{4} \times \frac{8}{17} = \frac{17 \times 8}{4 \times 17} = \frac{136}{68}.

Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction 13668\frac{136}{68}. Since the numerator and the denominator are both divisible by 68, simplification gives: 136÷6868÷68=21=2\frac{136 \div 68}{68 \div 68} = \frac{2}{1} = 2.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 2 2 .

3

Final Answer

2 2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Conversion: Transform mixed numbers to improper fractions first
  • Division Rule: Multiply by reciprocal: 174×817 \frac{17}{4} \times \frac{8}{17}
  • Verification: Check by multiplying answer by divisor: 2×218=414 2 \times 2\frac{1}{8} = 4\frac{1}{4}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing mixed numbers directly without converting
    Don't try to divide 414÷218 4\frac{1}{4} ÷ 2\frac{1}{8} using the whole and fractional parts separately = confusing mess! This leads to incorrect calculations and wrong answers. Always convert mixed numbers to improper fractions first, then divide using the reciprocal method.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 1\frac{4}{5}\times1\frac{1}{3}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just divide the whole numbers and fractions separately?

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Mixed numbers represent single values, not separate parts! Dividing 414 4\frac{1}{4} means dividing the entire value 4.25, not just the 4 and 14 \frac{1}{4} individually.

How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

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Formula: Multiply whole number by denominator, then add numerator. For 414 4\frac{1}{4} : (4 × 4) + 1 = 17, so it becomes 174 \frac{17}{4} .

What does 'multiply by the reciprocal' mean?

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Instead of dividing by a fraction, flip it and multiply! Dividing by 178 \frac{17}{8} becomes multiplying by 817 \frac{8}{17} . Much easier to calculate!

Why did the 17s cancel out in the multiplication?

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When you multiply 174×817 \frac{17}{4} \times \frac{8}{17} , the 17 in the numerator and 17 in the denominator divide each other out, leaving 84=2 \frac{8}{4} = 2 .

How can I check if my answer is correct?

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Multiply your answer by the divisor: 2×218 2 \times 2\frac{1}{8} . If you get the original dividend 414 4\frac{1}{4} , you're right!

What if my final answer is still a fraction?

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That's perfectly normal! Just make sure to simplify any improper fractions back to mixed numbers or reduce to lowest terms for a clean final answer.

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