What is 34 & 3/4 inches divided by 2 equal
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Answer:
34 & 3/4 inches divided by 2 equals 17 & 3/8 inches.
Detailed Explanation
To divide 34 & 3/4 inches by 2, we first need to understand how to work with mixed numbers. A mixed number consists of a whole number and a fraction. In this case, 34 & 3/4 means 34 inches plus three-fourths of an inch.
Step 1: Convert the Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction
To make division easier, we convert the mixed number into an improper fraction. 3434=(34×4)+34=136+34=139434\frac{3}{4} = \frac{(34 \times 4) + 3}{4} = \frac{136 + 3}{4} = \frac{139}{4}
So, 34 & 3/4 inches = 139/4 inches.
Step 2: Divide by 2
Dividing by 2 is the same as multiplying by 1/2. 1394÷2=1394×12=1398\frac{139}{4} \div 2 = \frac{139}{4} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{139}{8}
Now we have the result in an improper fraction: 139/8 inches.
Step 3: Convert the Improper Fraction to a Mixed Number
To convert 139/8 into a mixed number, divide 139 by 8. 8×17=136remainder: 139−136=38 \times 17 = 136 \quad \text{remainder: } 139 – 136 = 3
So, 1398=1738\frac{139}{8} = 17\frac{3}{8}
Therefore, 34 & 3/4 inches ÷ 2 = 17 & 3/8 inches.
Why Is This Useful?
Understanding how to divide mixed numbers is a key skill in real-life situations like woodworking, sewing, construction, or cooking, where precise measurements matter. For example, if you have a 34 3/4-inch long board and want to cut it exactly in half, knowing how to divide the length accurately ensures symmetry and quality results.
This operation also reinforces core mathematical skills like converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions, performing multiplication of fractions, and simplifying.
