2 3 divided by 6

Guri Bee

2 min read

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20-10-2024

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Demystifying 2 3/6: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Mixed Numbers and Division

Have you ever come across a problem like "2 3/6 divided by 6" and felt a surge of confusion? Don't worry, you're not alone! This type of problem combines mixed numbers, fractions, and division, which can seem intimidating at first. But fear not, with a little bit of knowledge and a systematic approach, you can master this seemingly complex calculation.

Breaking Down the Problem:

• Mixed Numbers: "2 3/6" represents a mixed number, which combines a whole number (2) and a fraction (3/6). To simplify the calculation, let's convert it to an improper fraction.
• Improper Fraction: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, follow these steps:
  1. Multiply the whole number by the denominator of the fraction: 2 x 6 = 12
  2. Add the numerator of the fraction to the result: 12 + 3 = 15
  3. Keep the same denominator: 15/6
• Division: The problem now becomes "15/6 divided by 6."

Solving the Division:

Dividing by a whole number is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of 6 is 1/6.

Therefore, the problem transforms into: "15/6 multiplied by 1/6".

Calculating the Result:

• Multiply the numerators: 15 x 1 = 15
• Multiply the denominators: 6 x 6 = 36
• The final answer is 15/36.

Simplifying the Answer:

The fraction 15/36 can be simplified by finding the greatest common factor (GCD) of 15 and 36, which is 3.

• Divide both the numerator and denominator by 3: 15/3 = 5, 36/3 = 12
• Simplified answer: 5/12

Key Takeaways:

• Mixed Numbers: A mixed number is simply a whole number plus a fraction.
• Improper Fractions: Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions for easier calculations.
• Reciprocal: To divide by a whole number, multiply by its reciprocal.
• Simplification: Always simplify your answers to their simplest form.

Let's Apply It:

Imagine you have 2 3/6 cups of flour and you need to divide it equally among 6 people. To find out how much flour each person gets, you'd use the same steps we discussed:

1. Convert 2 3/6 to an improper fraction: 15/6.
2. Divide by 6: 15/6 divided by 6.
3. Multiply by the reciprocal of 6: 15/6 x 1/6.
4. Calculate: 15/36.
5. Simplify: 5/12.

Therefore, each person would get 5/12 of a cup of flour.

Additional Resources:

• Khan Academy: Converting mixed numbers to improper fractions
• Purplemath: Dividing fractions

By understanding the basic concepts of mixed numbers, improper fractions, and reciprocals, you can confidently tackle any division problem involving mixed numbers. Remember to take it one step at a time, and don't hesitate to practice and explore further resources for a deeper understanding.