Math Problem Statement

Which two expressions are equivalent to 4 1/2 ÷ 2 1/4?

Solution

The question asks:

Which two expressions are equivalent to 412÷2144 \frac{1}{2} \div 2 \frac{1}{4}?

Let's break down the problem step-by-step.

  1. Convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions:

    • 412=924 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{9}{2}
    • 214=942 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{9}{4}
  2. Perform the division: Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So, 412÷214=92×494 \frac{1}{2} \div 2 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{9}{2} \times \frac{4}{9}

  3. Multiply the fractions: 92×49=9×42×9=3618=2\frac{9}{2} \times \frac{4}{9} = \frac{9 \times 4}{2 \times 9} = \frac{36}{18} = 2

Now we need to find which two expressions among the options are equivalent to this calculation.

Evaluating the options:

  • Option A: 412×2414 \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \frac{4}{1}

    • Converting to improper fractions: 412=92,241=44 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{9}{2}, \quad 2 \frac{4}{1} = 4 So, 92×4=362=18\frac{9}{2} \times 4 = \frac{36}{2} = 18. This is not equal to 2, so not correct.
  • Option B: 92÷94\frac{9}{2} \div \frac{9}{4}

    • Dividing by 94\frac{9}{4} is the same as multiplying by 49\frac{4}{9}: 92×49=3618=2\frac{9}{2} \times \frac{4}{9} = \frac{36}{18} = 2 This is correct.
  • Option C: 82×84\frac{8}{2} \times \frac{8}{4}

    • Multiplying the fractions: 82×84=648=8\frac{8}{2} \times \frac{8}{4} = \frac{64}{8} = 8 This is not equal to 2, so not correct.
  • Option D: 92×49\frac{9}{2} \times \frac{4}{9}

    • This is exactly the same as the calculation we did earlier, and it equals 2. So, this is correct.
  • Option E: 82÷49\frac{8}{2} \div \frac{4}{9}

    • Dividing by 49\frac{4}{9} is the same as multiplying by 94\frac{9}{4}: 82×94=728=9\frac{8}{2} \times \frac{9}{4} = \frac{72}{8} = 9 This is not equal to 2, so not correct.

Conclusion:

The correct answers are B and D.

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you convert mixed numbers into improper fractions?
  2. What are the steps to multiply two fractions?
  3. How do you divide fractions?
  4. What is the reciprocal of a fraction and how is it used in division?
  5. Can you explain why multiplying by a reciprocal gives the same result as division?

Tip: Always simplify fractions when possible to avoid errors and save time!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Fractions
Division of Fractions
Improper Fractions
Reciprocal

Formulas

Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions
Division of fractions: a ÷ b = a × (1/b)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8