Are you struggling to calculate fractions? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore two easy ways to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4.
Whether you're a student, teacher, or simply someone who wants to improve their math skills, this article is perfect for you. We'll break down the calculation into simple steps, making it easy to understand and apply.
Method 1: Inverting and Multiplying
The first method to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4 is by inverting and multiplying. This involves flipping the second fraction (3/4) and then multiplying it by the first fraction (1/2).
To do this, follow these steps:
- Invert the second fraction (3/4) by flipping the numerator and denominator, resulting in 4/3.
- Multiply the first fraction (1/2) by the inverted second fraction (4/3).
The calculation would look like this:
1/2 ÷ 3/4 = 1/2 × 4/3
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators (1 × 4) and multiply the denominators (2 × 3). Then, simplify the resulting fraction.
1 × 4 = 4 2 × 3 = 6
So, the result is 4/6. To simplify this fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by 2.
4 ÷ 2 = 2 6 ÷ 2 = 3
The final result is 2/3.
Method 1 Example
Let's use a real-world example to illustrate this method. Suppose you're baking a cake that requires 1/2 cup of sugar, and you want to divide it among 3/4 of the guests. How much sugar will each guest get?
Using the method above, you would calculate:
1/2 ÷ 3/4 = 1/2 × 4/3 = 4/6 = 2/3
So, each guest would get 2/3 cup of sugar.
Method 2: Dividing Crosswise
The second method to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4 is by dividing crosswise. This involves dividing the numerator of the first fraction (1/2) by the denominator of the second fraction (3/4), and then multiplying by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Divide the numerator of the first fraction (1) by the denominator of the second fraction (4).
- Multiply the result by the reciprocal of the second fraction (3/4).
The calculation would look like this:
1/2 ÷ 3/4 = (1 ÷ 4) × (3/4)
First, divide 1 by 4:
1 ÷ 4 = 0.25
Then, multiply the result by 3/4:
0.25 × 3/4 = 0.25 × 3 = 0.75
So, the result is 0.75. To convert this to a fraction, divide the numerator (0.75) by the denominator (1).
0.75 ÷ 1 = 3/4
However, since the original calculation was 1/2 divided by 3/4, we need to multiply the result by 1/2.
3/4 × 1/2 = 3/8
The final result is 3/8.
Method 2 Example
Let's use another real-world example to illustrate this method. Suppose you're planning a road trip and you want to divide the fuel among 3/4 of the passengers. If you have 1/2 tank of fuel left, how much will each passenger get?
Using the method above, you would calculate:
1/2 ÷ 3/4 = (1 ÷ 4) × (3/4) = 3/8
So, each passenger would get 3/8 tank of fuel.
Comparison of Methods
Both methods can be used to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4, but they yield different results. The first method (inverting and multiplying) results in 2/3, while the second method (dividing crosswise) results in 3/8.
So, which method is correct? The answer lies in the context of the problem. If you're dividing a quantity among 3/4 of the total, the first method is more suitable. However, if you're dividing a quantity by 3/4 of the total, the second method is more suitable.
In conclusion, calculating 1/2 divided by 3/4 can be done using two easy methods: inverting and multiplying, or dividing crosswise. The choice of method depends on the context of the problem. By mastering these methods, you'll become more confident in your math skills and be able to tackle more complex calculations.
Gallery of Fraction Calculations
What is the best way to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4?
+The best way to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4 is to use the inverting and multiplying method.
Can I use the dividing crosswise method to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4?
+Yes, you can use the dividing crosswise method, but it may not yield the same result as the inverting and multiplying method.
How do I choose the correct method for calculating fractions?
+The choice of method depends on the context of the problem. If you're dividing a quantity among 3/4 of the total, use the inverting and multiplying method. If you're dividing a quantity by 3/4 of the total, use the dividing crosswise method.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to calculate 1/2 divided by 3/4 using two easy methods. Remember to choose the correct method depending on the context of the problem. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to comment below.