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$\begingroup$

$$\frac {\frac {5}{8}} {2\frac{1}{2}}$$

I understand how to divide it by flipping the numbers (reciprocal) and what not. I just don't know what to do with the $2$ next to the division sign.

Help?

2 Answers 2

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Probably it means $2\frac{1}{2}$ which is $\frac{5}{2}$

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    Oh crap, I didn't even notice that it was a mixed fraction. Thought it might have been something else. Thanks!2011-09-08
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    Yet another reason to either parenthesize or just use improper fractions...2011-09-09
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We have:$$\frac {\frac {5}{8}} {2\frac{1}{2}}$$ We will need to convert the mixed number (a combination of a whole number and a fraction) to an improper fraction:

$\implies $ $$\frac{\frac {5}{8}}{\frac{5}{2}}$$ We'll need to rotate $\frac{5}{2}$.

$\implies $ $\frac{5}{8} * \frac {2}{5} = \frac {1} {4}$