Step 1: Change the mixed numbers into an improper fraction
Multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator to find the new numerator of the improper fraction. So given 5/12 ÷ 2 7/24, we can change the mixed number to and improper fraction.
Step 2: Find the reciprocal of the divisor
To determine the reciprocal of a fraction, we switch the values of the numerator and denominator. So, for our given example, we have
Step 3: Find the quotient
To find the quotient, we now multiply the dividend and the reciprocal to find the quotient of the fraction and mixed number.
Step 4: Simplify the factors
Cancel out common factors shared between a numerator and denominator to simplify and multiply the remaining factors to find the quotient.
Examples of dividing fractions with mixed numbers
Q) Anna has 45 1/2 inches of string and plans to cut them in to tinier pieces with a length of 3 1/2 inches. How many pieces of strings will she be able to cut?
To find the number of tinier pieces, we divide:
Change both 45 1/2 and 3 1/2 into an improper fraction.
Find the divisor’s reciprocal and hence, we have 2/7 .
Multiply 91/2 by the reciprocal to find the quotient.
Cancel out common factors and multiply the remaining ones to find the quotient.
This means that Anna will be able to cut a total of thirteen pieces.