# Math Help - simplify fractions

1. ## simplify fractions

simplify

(1/3 - 1/6) divide (2/5-1/3)

A) 2/3 b)15 c) 1/30 d)15/2

2. Originally Posted by BeBeMala
simplify

(1/3 - 1/6) divide (2/5-1/3)

A) 2/3 b)15 c) 1/30 d)15/2
Hello,

$1/3-1/6=2/6-1/6=1/6$

$2/5-1/3=../15-.../15$

3. Originally Posted by BeBeMala
simplify

(1/3 - 1/6) divide (2/5-1/3)

A) 2/3 b)15 c) 1/30 d)15/2
We want to break this problem down. The first thing that we'll need to do is the subtractions.

$\frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{2}{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{1}{6}$ so our numerator is $\frac{1}{6}$.

$\frac{2}{5} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{6}{15} - \frac{5}{15} = \frac{1}{15}$ so our denominator is $\frac{1}{15}$.

When we divide by a fraction, we multiply by its reciprocal, so we have $\frac{1}{6} \cdot 15$, which is $\frac{5}{2}$.

4. Originally Posted by icemanfan
We want to break this problem down. The first thing that we'll need to do is the subtractions.

$\frac{1}{3} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{2}{6} - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{1}{6}$ so our numerator is $\frac{1}{6}$.

$\frac{2}{5} - \frac{1}{3} = \frac{6}{15} - \frac{5}{15} = \frac{1}{15}$ so our denominator is $\frac{1}{15}$.

When we divide by a fraction, we multiply by its reciprocal, so we have $\frac{1}{6} \cdot 15$, which is $\frac{5}{2}$.
you mean 15/2? because 5/2 is not a choice

5. Originally Posted by BeBeMala
you mean 15/2? because 5/2 is not a choice
The solution is 5/2... None of the ones you gave :/