PDA

View Full Version : Shop shortcuts (math too)



Colin Giersberg
04-08-2008, 12:06 AM
Has anyone had a problem dividing an odd fraction. Well, it isn't that hard. While the terms I will use will be real simple, I think you will get the idea.

For example. Divide 35 7/16 into two equal parts.

1. Start by determining the largest whole number that will go into 35, two times. The answer is 17.
2. Next, take the top part of the fraction, and add it to the bottom part of the fraction. You should get 23.
3. Now, double the bottom part of the fraction. You should get 32.

Next, combine these answers in the exact order of calculation.
1. 17
2. 23
3. 32

The answer is 17 23/32
Try it out on several other problems. Just remember, this works only on odd fractions where the whole number is odd. If the fractional part can be reduced to the smallest number, do that, then do the conversion.

A couple of other examples:

19 21/65 = 9 86/130 = 9 43/65

121 27/32 = 60 59/64

Regards, Colin