36 4
-- ÷ 9 = -- _Ans._
41 41
(ii) When the divisor is a fraction.
In the operation 24 ÷ 3, we have to find the number which, when
multiplied by 3, will give 24. Similarly, to find the value of 3/7 ÷ 5/9
we have to find the fraction which, when multiplied by 5/9, will give
3/7.
3 × 9
But ----- is the fraction which gives 3/7 when multiplied by 5/9.
7 × 5
3 5 3 × 9
Therefore, - ÷ - = -----.
7 9 7 × 5
Hence, to divide by a fraction, invert the divisor and multiply.
As in multiplication, mixed numbers must first be reduced to improper
fractions.
EXAMPLE 3: Divide 3-1/14 by 5-5/42.
3
1 5 43 215 4̸3̸ 4̸2̸ 3
3-- ÷ 5-- = -- ÷ --- = -- × --- = - _Ans._
14 42 14 42 1̸4̸ 2̸1̸5̸ 5
5