IXL | Divide fractions by whole numbers: word problems

The construction engineer calculated that she needed 4 support pillars of equal size. She ordered 1/2 of a ton of concrete to make the support pillars. How much concrete did she use for each support pillar?

Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

tons

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Learn with an example

question

A factory used 1/2 of a barrel of almonds to make 3 batches of granola bars. How many barrels of almonds did the factory put in each batch?

Write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

barrels

key idea

Write mixed numbers and whole numbers as improper fractions. Multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.

solution

Divide the total quantity of almonds used by the number of batches.

Write

as an improper fraction:

Turn this from a division problem into a multiplication problem by multiplying by the reciprocal.

Now multiply.

1 × 1

2 × 3

The factory put 1/6 of a barrel of almonds in each batch.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Dividing fractions by whole numbers

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U.4Divide unit fractions and whole numbers: word problems

U.1Divide unit fractions by whole numbers

Lesson: Dividing fractions by whole numbers

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