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We now turn to quotients, beginning with dividing a fraction
by a whole number. Suppose, for instance, that you want to share This diagram shows If we split the third into two equal parts, each part is You and your friend will each get Note that dividing a number by 2 is the same as taking This procedure involves inverting, or finding the reciprocal of the divisor. The reciprocal is found by switching the numerator and denominator. You may want to justify this procedure as follows: To Divide Fractions
EXAMPLE 1 Divide: Solution As in any division problem, we can check our answer by multiplying it by the divisor. Because TIP In a division problem, the fraction to the right of the division sign is ther divisor. Always invert the divisor the second fractionnot the dividendthe first fraction. EXAMPLE 2 What is Solution EXAMPLE 3 To stop the developing process, photographers use a chemical
called stop bath. Suppose that a photographer needs Solution We want to find out how many So the photographer cannot develop 3 rolls of film. |