Compound Fractions: Example

Rule 27:: A compound fraction is sometimes called a mixed number.
, , and are examples of compound fractions.

Example:

Calculate

and write the answer as a simple fraction, compound number, and as a decimal.

Answer:

Simple:

, Compound:

, Decimal: 0.208333.

Solution:

Convert the compound numbers to simple fractions.

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Recall that the parenthesis instructs the reader to treat what's inside as one number. The problem can now be written in terms of simple fractions.

tex2html_wrap_inline104 .

Convert the division to multiplication by changing the signs and inverting the numbers to the right of the signs.

The answer is the simple fraction . Since the value is less than 1, the compound number is also the simple fraction tex2html_wrap_inline116 .

Use your calculator to estimate the decimal answer of 0.208333.

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