close
close
what is 1/3 divided by 6

what is 1/3 divided by 6

less than a minute read 18-10-2024
what is 1/3 divided by 6

Unraveling the Mystery: 1/3 Divided by 6

Dividing fractions can seem daunting, but it's actually a straightforward process once you understand the concept. Let's break down the question: What is 1/3 divided by 6?

Understanding the Problem:

The question asks us to find out how many times the fraction 1/3 fits into the whole number 6. To solve this, we need to remember the concept of reciprocals.

Reciprocals: Flipping It Around

The reciprocal of a number is simply 1 divided by that number. For instance, the reciprocal of 6 is 1/6. The key to dividing by a fraction is to multiply by its reciprocal.

Applying the Concept:

  1. Rewrite the division problem: Instead of 1/3 divided by 6, we can write it as (1/3) / 6.
  2. Find the reciprocal of the divisor: The divisor is 6, and its reciprocal is 1/6.
  3. Multiply by the reciprocal: Now, our problem becomes (1/3) * (1/6).
  4. Multiply the numerators and denominators: (1 * 1) / (3 * 6) = 1/18

Therefore, 1/3 divided by 6 is equal to 1/18.

Visualizing the Solution:

Imagine you have a cake cut into 3 equal slices. You want to divide each of these slices into 6 smaller pieces. The result is 18 smaller pieces, with each piece representing 1/18 of the original cake.

Practical Application:

This concept is useful in various practical situations, such as:

  • Sharing recipes: If a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of flour and you want to make only 1/6 of the recipe, you need to divide 1/3 by 6 to find out how much flour you need.
  • Measuring materials: If you have 1/3 yard of fabric and need to cut it into 6 equal pieces, you'll be dividing 1/3 by 6 to find the length of each piece.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.
  • The reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number.
  • This concept is applicable in various practical situations.

By understanding the relationship between division and reciprocals, you can confidently tackle problems involving fractions and make sense of real-world scenarios.

Related Posts