Which values of a, b, and c correctly represent the answer in simplest form?

4 and one-half divided by 1 and one-fourth = a StartFraction b Over c EndFraction
a = 3, b = 6, c = 10
a = 3, b = 3, c = 5
a = 5, b = 3, c = 3
a = 10, b = 6, c = 3

1 answer

To solve the equation \( \frac{9}{2} \div \frac{5}{4} \) (which represents 4 and one-half divided by 1 and one-fourth), we first convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.

  1. Convert \( 4 \frac{1}{2} \) to an improper fraction: \[ 4 \frac{1}{2} = 4 \times 2 + 1 = 8 + 1 = \frac{9}{2} \]

  2. Convert \( 1 \frac{1}{4} \) to an improper fraction: \[ 1 \frac{1}{4} = 1 \times 4 + 1 = 4 + 1 = \frac{5}{4} \]

Now we can perform the division of two fractions: \[ \frac{9}{2} \div \frac{5}{4} = \frac{9}{2} \times \frac{4}{5} \]

Next, we multiply the fractions: \[ \frac{9 \times 4}{2 \times 5} = \frac{36}{10} \]

Now we simplify \( \frac{36}{10} \): \[ \frac{36}{10} = \frac{18}{5} \quad (\text{dividing both the numerator and denominator by 2}) \]

Thus, in the form \( a \frac{b}{c} \):

  • \( a = 3 \) (the whole number part),
  • \( b = 3 \) (the numerator of the fractional part),
  • \( c = 5 \) (the denominator of the fractional part).

The correct values are:

  • \( a = 3 \)
  • \( b = 3 \)
  • \( c = 5 \)

Thus, the answer is: \[ \boxed{a = 3, b = 3, c = 5} \]