Division can be a complex and intimidating math operation, but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach and understanding, you can simplify even the most complicated division problems. In this article, we'll explore how to divide 90 by 5/8 in a way that's easy to understand and apply.
Understanding Division
Before we dive into the problem, let's take a step back and understand what division is. Division is the process of sharing a certain quantity into equal parts or groups. In mathematical terms, division is the inverse operation of multiplication. For example, if you have 12 cookies and you want to share them equally among 4 people, you can divide 12 by 4 to get 3 cookies per person.
The Problem: 90 Divided By 5/8
Now, let's look at the problem at hand: 90 divided by 5/8. This problem involves dividing a whole number (90) by a fraction (5/8). To solve this problem, we need to understand how to divide whole numbers by fractions.
Step 1: Convert the Fraction to a Decimal
To make the division easier, let's convert the fraction 5/8 to a decimal. To do this, we can divide the numerator (5) by the denominator (8). This gives us 0.625.
Step 2: Divide 90 by 0.625
Now that we have the decimal equivalent of 5/8, we can divide 90 by 0.625. To do this, we can use a calculator or perform the division manually.
90 ÷ 0.625 = 144
So, 90 divided by 5/8 is equal to 144.
Why Does This Work?
You may be wondering why dividing 90 by 0.625 gives us the same result as dividing 90 by 5/8. The reason is that 0.625 is the decimal equivalent of 5/8. When we convert a fraction to a decimal, we are essentially finding the proportion of the whole that the fraction represents. In this case, 5/8 represents 0.625 of the whole, so dividing 90 by 0.625 is the same as dividing 90 by 5/8.
Practical Applications
Understanding how to divide whole numbers by fractions is an important skill in real-life applications. For example, if you're a chef and you need to divide a recipe that serves 8 people by 5/8, you can use the same technique we used above to find the equivalent amount.
Conclusion: Simplifying Division
Division doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding how to convert fractions to decimals and using simple division techniques, you can simplify even the most complex division problems. Remember, the key is to find the decimal equivalent of the fraction and then divide the whole number by that decimal. With practice and patience, you can master the art of division and become a math whiz.
Common Division Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to division, there are several common mistakes that people make. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Not converting fractions to decimals: Failing to convert fractions to decimals can lead to incorrect results.
- Not using the correct order of operations: Division should always be performed after multiplication and before addition and subtraction.
- Not checking for remainders: Division can result in remainders, so it's essential to check for these and adjust the result accordingly.
Division Practice Exercises
Practice makes perfect, so here are some division practice exercises to help you improve your skills:
- 24 ÷ 3/4 =
- 36 ÷ 2/3 =
- 48 ÷ 3/4 =
Gallery of Division Examples
What is division?
+Division is the process of sharing a certain quantity into equal parts or groups.
How do you divide a whole number by a fraction?
+To divide a whole number by a fraction, convert the fraction to a decimal and then divide the whole number by that decimal.
What are some common division mistakes to avoid?
+Some common division mistakes to avoid include not converting fractions to decimals, not using the correct order of operations, and not checking for remainders.