Multiply (Divide) Fractions

Question

Grant had 8 1/3 meters of rope and used 3/7 of it. How much rope did Grant use?

Answer 1

 

I will do the problem TWO ways for you.

 

----------------   1st solution ---------------------------------------------------

 

(8 and 1/3) * 3/7 = 

 

   25/3 * 3/7  =      <--- changes to improper 

 

   75/21  =  <--- multiplies the tops; multiplies the bottoms

 

    25/7=   <--- reduces by a factor of 3

 

   3 and 4/7   <---- changes to mixed number 

 

------------------------------ 2nd solution --------------------------

 

(8 and 1/3) * 3/7 =

 

25/3 * 3/7   =        <---- changes to improper

 

25/1 * 1/7  =   <---- 3 cancels out

 

25/7 =       <-----  multiplies tops; multiplies bottom

 

= 3 and 4/7  <---- changes to mixed number