1/6 divided by 1/5

Guri Bee

2 min read

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20-10-2024

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Unraveling the Mystery: 1/6 Divided by 1/5

Dividing fractions can be a bit tricky, but it's actually quite straightforward once you understand the concept. Let's break down the problem of 1/6 divided by 1/5 and explore why the answer isn't as intuitive as it might seem.

Why not just divide the numerators and denominators?

A common misconception is that you can simply divide the numerators (1/1) and the denominators (6/5) to get the answer. However, this approach is incorrect.

The "Keep, Change, Flip" Method

The correct way to divide fractions is by employing the "Keep, Change, Flip" method:

1. Keep the first fraction as it is: 1/6
2. Change the division sign to a multiplication sign: *
3. Flip the second fraction (reciprocal): 5/1

Now, the problem becomes: 1/6 * 5/1.

The Solution

To multiply fractions, simply multiply the numerators and the denominators:

(1 * 5) / (6 * 1) = 5/6

Therefore, 1/6 divided by 1/5 equals 5/6.

Why Does This Work?

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. This is because division is the inverse operation of multiplication. Think of it like this: if you divide a number by 2, you're essentially multiplying it by 1/2.

Practical Applications

Understanding fraction division is essential in various real-world scenarios:

• Baking: If a recipe calls for 1/6 cup of sugar and you only have 1/5 cup, you can use the division concept to figure out how much of your available sugar to use.
• Measurement: Converting between units often involves dividing fractions. For example, if you have a piece of fabric that is 1/6 meter long and you need a piece that is 1/5 meter long, you can use fraction division to determine how much to cut.
• Financial Calculations: When dealing with investments or budgeting, you might need to divide fractions to understand percentages or proportions.

Additional Considerations

• Simplifying Fractions: You can sometimes simplify the resulting fraction after multiplying. In this case, 5/6 is already in its simplest form.
• Decimals: Fractions can be converted to decimals for easier calculations. 1/6 is approximately 0.1667 and 1/5 is 0.2. Dividing these decimals yields approximately 0.8333, which is close to 5/6.

Conclusion

Dividing fractions might seem confusing at first, but with the "Keep, Change, Flip" method, it becomes a straightforward process. Understanding this concept helps you solve various problems in everyday life, from baking to financial calculations.