Dividing Mixed Numbers with Different Denominators: Step-by-Step Example

Example question

1 1/2 ÷ 2 1/3

Step 1: Change the mixed numbers to improper fractions.
1 1/2 = (1 × 2 + 1)/2 = 3/2
2 1/3 = (2 × 3 + 1)/3 = 7/3

Step 2: Change the division sign to multiplication and flip the second fraction.
3/2 ÷ 7/3 becomes 3/2 × 3/7

Step 3: Multiply the fractions.
Multiply the numerators: 3 × 3 = 9
Multiply the denominators: 2 × 7 = 14
So, 3/2 × 3/7 = 9/14

Step 4: Simplify the fraction if possible.
9/14 cannot be simplified further.

Step 5: If needed, change back to a mixed number.
9/14 is less than 1, so leave it as 9/14.

Answer: 1 1/2 ÷ 2 1/3 = 9/14