Divide. Write your answer as a fraction or mixed number in simplest form.

÷−85 2425

1 answer

To divide the fraction \(-\frac{85}{2425}\), we first rewrite the operation as follows:

\[ -\frac{85}{2425} \div 1 \]

This doesn't make any changes, so we consider \(-\frac{85}{2425}\) as a division of two numbers where we can rewrite the division as multiplication by the reciprocal:

\[ -\frac{85}{2425} \div 1 = -\frac{85}{2425} \cdot 1 \]

Now, simplifying \(-\frac{85}{2425}\):

  1. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 85 and 2425.
  • 85 can be factored into \(5 \times 17\).
  • 2425 can be factored by dividing it by 5 first: \[ 2425 \div 5 = 485 \]
  • Next, we can factor 485, which is \(5 \times 97\) (since 485 can be divided again by 5).

Thus, \(2425 = 5^2 \times 17 \times 97\).

  1. Now we find the GCD of 85 and 2425 which is 85, since 85 is a factor of 2425.

  2. Now simplify the fraction: \[ -\frac{85 \div 85}{2425 \div 85} = -\frac{1}{29} \]

Thus, the answer to \(-\frac{85}{2425}\) in simplest form is:

\[ -\frac{1}{29} \]