1/5 divided by 3
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to divide the fraction 1/5 by the whole number 3. The approach involves converting the whole number into a fraction and then performing the division.
Answer
\( \frac{1}{15} \)
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is ( \frac{1}{15} )
Steps to Solve
- Convert the whole number into a fraction
Since 3 is a whole number, we can write it as a fraction with a denominator of 1. Therefore, we can express 3 as ( \frac{3}{1} ).
- Rewrite the division as a multiplication by the reciprocal
Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of ( \frac{3}{1} ) is ( \frac{1}{3} ). So, we rewrite the division ( \frac{1}{5} \div \frac{3}{1} ) as ( \frac{1}{5} \times \frac{1}{3} ).
- Multiply the fractions
To multiply the fractions, multiply the numerators and then multiply the denominators.
[ \frac{1}{5} \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 1}{5 \times 3} = \frac{1}{15} ]
Thus, ( \frac{1}{5} \div 3 = \frac{1}{15} ).
The final answer is ( \frac{1}{15} )
More Information
When dividing a fraction by a whole number, always convert the whole number to a fraction and multiply by its reciprocal.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting to multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor. Always convert the division operation into multiplication by the reciprocal of the divisor.
