
Reviewed by Mary Grace Carlos
What is 1/2 divided by 3?
Answer: 1/2 divided by 3 is 1/6
Dividing a fraction by a whole number is a common operation in mathematics. To perform this calculation, you'll need to understand how to convert whole numbers to fractions and then multiply by the reciprocal. This process allows you to find the result in its simplest fractional form.
Methods
Math Tutor Explanation Using the Reciprocal Method
Dividing fractions by whole numbers can be done by multiplying the fraction by the reciprocal of the whole number.
Step 1: Step 1: Rewrite 3 as a fraction (3/1)
Step 2: Step 2: Find the reciprocal of 3/1 (which is 1/3)
Math Tutor Explanation Using Direct Formula
Alternatively, you can use the rule that dividing a fraction by a whole number is equivalent to multiplying the denominator by that number.
Step 1: Step 1: Identify the original fraction 1/2 and recognize you are dividing by 3
Step 2: Step 2: Multiply the denominator (2) by the whole number (3) to get a new denominator (6)
Step 1:
Step 2:
Math Tutor suggests: Practice Dividing Fractions and Similar Fraction Operations
Strengthen your understanding of dividing fractions and related fraction problems with these selected exercises.
FAQ on Dividing Fractions by Whole Numbers
How do you divide a fraction by an integer?
Multiply the denominator of the fraction by the integer.
Can the answer be simplified further?
Yes, always check if the resulting fraction can be reduced to simplest form.
What if you divide by a fraction instead of a whole number?
Multiply by the reciprocal of the fraction you are dividing by.
What is the decimal result of 1/2 divided by 3?
1/2 divided by 3 is 1/6, which is about 0.1667.
Why do we use the reciprocal when dividing fractions?
Because dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.