The importance of fractions in mathematics cannot be overstated. Fractions are a way to represent part of a whole, and they are used in a wide range of mathematical operations. One common operation is dividing a fraction by a whole number, which can be a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore the concept of dividing a fraction by a whole number, specifically 1/3 divided by 6 in fraction form simplified.
Fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and they are used to represent part of a whole. A fraction consists of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). The numerator tells us how many equal parts we have, and the denominator tells us how many parts the whole is divided into. For example, the fraction 1/3 represents one equal part out of a total of three parts.
When we divide a fraction by a whole number, we are essentially asking how many times the whole number fits into the fraction. This can be a bit tricky, but the good news is that there is a simple rule to follow.
Understanding the Rule
To divide a fraction by a whole number, we need to follow a simple rule. The rule is to invert the whole number (i.e., flip the whole number) and then multiply the fraction by the inverted whole number. This may sound a bit confusing, but don't worry, we will explore this in more detail.
For example, let's say we want to divide the fraction 1/3 by the whole number 6. To do this, we need to invert the whole number 6, which means we flip it to become 1/6. Then, we multiply the fraction 1/3 by the inverted whole number 1/6.
Calculating 1/3 Divided by 6
Now that we understand the rule, let's calculate 1/3 divided by 6.
To divide 1/3 by 6, we need to invert the whole number 6, which becomes 1/6. Then, we multiply the fraction 1/3 by the inverted whole number 1/6.
1/3 ÷ 6 = 1/3 × 1/6
To multiply fractions, we simply multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators.
(1 × 1) / (3 × 6) = 1/18
So, 1/3 divided by 6 is equal to 1/18.
Simplifying the Answer
Now that we have calculated the answer, we need to simplify it. To simplify a fraction, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator and divide both numbers by the GCD.
In this case, the numerator is 1, and the denominator is 18. The GCD of 1 and 18 is 1, so we cannot simplify the fraction further.
Therefore, the simplified answer is 1/18.
Real-World Applications
Fractions are used in a wide range of real-world applications, including cooking, finance, and science. Dividing a fraction by a whole number is a common operation in many of these applications.
For example, let's say you are a chef and you need to divide a recipe that serves 3 people among 6 people. You can use the concept of dividing a fraction by a whole number to calculate the amount of ingredients you need.
Similarly, in finance, dividing a fraction by a whole number can be used to calculate interest rates or investment returns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dividing a fraction by a whole number is a simple operation that can be done by inverting the whole number and multiplying the fraction by the inverted whole number. In this article, we explored the concept of 1/3 divided by 6 in fraction form simplified, and we calculated the answer to be 1/18.
Fractions are an important concept in mathematics, and they are used in a wide range of real-world applications. By understanding how to divide a fraction by a whole number, you can apply this concept to a variety of situations.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.
What is the rule for dividing a fraction by a whole number?
+The rule is to invert the whole number (i.e., flip the whole number) and then multiply the fraction by the inverted whole number.
How do you simplify a fraction?
+To simplify a fraction, you need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator and divide both numbers by the GCD.
What are some real-world applications of dividing a fraction by a whole number?
+Dividing a fraction by a whole number is used in a wide range of real-world applications, including cooking, finance, and science.