4.5.

MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING MIXED FRACTIONS 291

4.5 Multiplying and Dividing Mixed Fractions

We begin with definitions of proper and improper fractions.

Proper and Improper Fractions. A proper fraction is a fraction whose

numerator is smaller than its denominator. An improper fraction is a fraction
whose numerator is larger than its denominator.

For example,
2 23 119
, − , and
3 39 127
are all examples of proper fractions. On the other hand,

4 317 233
, − , and −
3 123 101

are all examples of improper fractions.

A mixed fraction 1 is part whole number, part fraction.

Mixed Fractions. The number

3
5
4
is called a mixed fraction. It is defined to mean
3 3
5 =5+ .
4 4
In the mixed fraction 5 34 , the 5 is the whole number part and the 3/4 is the
fractional part.

Changing Mixed Fractions to Improper Fractions

We have all the tools required to change a mixed fraction into an improper
fraction. We begin with an example.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 1. Change the mixed fraction 4 87 into an improper fraction. Change 5 34 to an improper
fraction.
1A mixed fractions is sometimes called a mixed number.
 292 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Solution. We employ the definition of a mixed fraction, make an equivalent

fraction for the whole number part, then add.
7 7
4 =4+ By definition.
8 8
4·8 7
= + Equivalent fraction with LCD = 8.
8 8
4·8+7
= Add numerators over common denominator.
8
39
= Simplify the numerator.
8
Answer: 23/4 Thus, 4 87 is equal to 39/8.


There is a quick technique you can use to change a mixed fraction into an
improper fraction.

Quick Way to Change a Mixed Fraction to an Improper Fraction. To

change a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number
part by the denominator, add the numerator, then place the result over the
denominator.

Thus, to quickly change 4 87 to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number

4 by the denominator 8, add the numerator 7, then place the result over the
denominator. In symbols, this would look like this:
7 4·8+7
4 = .
8 8
This is precisely what the third step in Example 1 looks like; we’re just elimi-
nating a lot of the work.

You Try It!

Change 7 83 to an improper EXAMPLE 2. Change 4 23 to an improper fraction.

fraction.
Solution. Take 4 23 , multiply the whole number part by the denominator, add
the numerator, then put the result over the denominator.
2 4·3+2
4 =
3 3
Thus, the result is
2 14
4 = .
3 3
Answer: 59/8

4.5. MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING MIXED FRACTIONS 293

It is very easy to do the intermediate step in Example 2 mentally, allowing

you to skip the intermediate step and go directly from the mixed fraction to
the improper fraction without writing down a single bit of work.

You Try It!

5
EXAMPLE 3. Without writing down any work, use mental arithmetic to Change −3 12 to an improper
change −2 53 to an improper fraction. fraction.
Solution. To change −2 53 to an improper fraction, ignore the minus sign,
proceed as before, then prefix the minus sign to the resulting improper fraction.
So, multiply 5 times 2 and add 3. Put the result 13 over the denominator 5,
then prefix the resulting improper fraction with a minus sign. That is,
3 13
−2 =− .
5 5
Answer: −41/12


Changing Improper Fractions to Mixed Fractions

The first step in changing the improper fraction 27/5 to a mixed fraction is to
write the improper fraction as a sum.
27 25 2
= + (4.1)
5 5 5
Simplifying equation 4.1, we get
27 2
=5+
5 5
2
=5 .
5

Comment. You can’t just choose any sum. The sum used in equation 4.1
is constructed so that the first fraction will equal a whole number and the
second fraction is proper. Any other sum will fail to produce the correct mixed
fraction. For example, the sum
27 23 4
= +
5 5 5
is useless, because 23/5 is not a whole number. Likewise, the sum
27 20 7
= +
5 5 5
is no good. Even though 20/5 = 4 is a whole number, the second fraction 7/5
is still improper.
 294 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

You Try It!

Change 25/7 to a mixed EXAMPLE 4. Change 25/9 to a mixed fraction.

fraction.
Solution. Break 25/9 into the appropriate sum.
25 18 7
= +
9 9 9
7
=2+
9
7
=2
9
Answer: 3 74


Comment. A pattern is emerging.

• In the case of 27/5, note that 27 divided by 5 is equal to 5 with a re-
mainder of 2. Compare this with the mixed fraction result: 27/5 = 5 52 .
• In the case of Example 4, note that 25 divided by 9 is 2 with a remainder
of 7. Compare this with the mixed fraction result: 25/9 = 2 79 .
These observations motivate the following technique.

Quick Way to Change an Improper Fraction to a Mixed Fraction.

To change an improper fraction to a mixed fraction, divide the numerator by
the denominator. The quotient will be the whole number part of the mixed
fraction. If you place the remainder over the denominator, this will be the
fractional part of the mixed fraction.

You Try It!

Change 38/9 to a mixed EXAMPLE 5. Change 37/8 to a mixed fraction.

fraction.
Solution. 37 divided by 8 is 4, with a remainder of 5. That is:
4
8)37
32
5
The quotient becomes the whole number part and we put the remainder over
the divisor. Thus,
37 5
=4 .
8 8
4.5. MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING MIXED FRACTIONS 295

Note: You can check your result with the “Quick Way to Change a Mixed
Fraction to an Improper Fraction.” 8 times 4 plus 5 is 37. Put this over 8 to
get 37/8. Answer: 4 92


You Try It!

EXAMPLE 6. Change −43/5 to a mixed fraction. Change −27/8 to a mixed

Solution. Ignore the minus sign and proceed in the same manner as in fraction.
Example 5. 43 divided by 5 is 8, with a remainder of 3.
8
5)43
40
3
The quotient is the whole number part, then we put the remainder over the
divisor. Finally, prefix the minus sign.
43 3
− = −8 .
5 5
Answer: −3 83


Multiplying and Dividing Mixed Fractions

You have all the tools needed to multiply and divide mixed fractions. First,
change the mixed fractions to improper fractions, then multiply or divide as
you did in previous sections.

You Try It!

1
EXAMPLE 7. Simplify: −2 12 · 2 45 . Simplify:
Solution. Change to improper fractions, factor, cancel, and simplify. 3 2
−3 · 2
1 4 25 14 4 5
−2 · 2 = − · Change to improper fractions.
12 5 12 5
25 · 14
=− Multiply numerators; multiply denominators.
12 · 5
Unlike signs; product is negative.
(5 · 5) · (2 · 7)
=− Prime factor.
(2 · 2 · 3) · (5)
5·5·


2·7
=− Cancel common factors.


2 · 2 · 3·5

35
=− Multiply numerators and denominators.
6
 296 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

This is a perfectly good answer, but if you want a mixed fraction answer, 35
divided by 6 is 5, with a remainder of 5. Hence,
1 4 5
−2 · 2 = −5 .
12 5 6
Answer: −9


You Try It!

Simplify: EXAMPLE 8. Simplify: −4 54 ÷ 5 35 .

4 2 Solution. Change to improper fractions, invert and multiply, factor, cancel,
−2 · 3 and simplify.
9 3
4 3 24 28
−4 ÷ 5 = − ÷ Change to improper fractions.
5 5 5 5
24 5
=− · Invert and multiply.
5 28
2·2·2·3 5
=− · Prime factor.
5 2·2·7
2·


2·2·3
5
=− · Cancel common factors.


5 2
· 2
· 7
6
=− Multiply numerators and denominators.
7
Answer: −2/3

 4.5. MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING MIXED FRACTIONS 297

❧ ❧ ❧ Exercises ❧ ❧ ❧

In Exercises 1-12, convert the mixed fraction to an improper fraction.

1 1
1. 2 7. 1
3 9
8 5
2. 1 8. 1
11 11
1 1
3. 1 9. −1
19 2
1 5
4. −1 10. −1
5 8
3 1
5. −1 11. 1
7 3
3 5
6. 1 12. −1
17 7

In Exercises 13-24, convert the improper fraction to a mixed fraction.

13 9
13. 19.
7 8
17 16
14. − 20.
9 5
13 6
15. − 21. −
5 5
10 17
16. − 22. −
3 10
16 3
17. − 23. −
5 2
16 7
18. 24. −
13 4

In Exercises 25-48, multiply the numbers and express your answer as a mixed fraction.

1 1 1
25. 1 · 2 27. 4 · 1
7 2 6

1 1 7
26. 1 · 1 28. 1 ·4
8 6 10
 298 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

1 3 1
29. −1 3 39. −2 (−6)
12 4 8
1 1 1
30. −3 3 40. (−9) −3
2 3 6
1 1 1 2
31. 7 · 1 41. −4 −2
2 13 2 5
1 5 3 3
32. 2 · 1 42. −1 −3
4 11 7 4
2 2
33. 1 −4 43. −2
1
·4
13 3 6
1 2 1
34. 1 −2 44. (−6) · 1
14 5 9
3 3 4 1
35. 1 −3 45. −1 2
7 4 15 2
4 3 1 5
36. 1 −3 46. −1 1
5 4 5 9
2 1 7
37. 9 · −1 47. −2 −1
15 2 11
5 7 7
38. 4 · −2 48. −1 −1
6 11 12

In Exercises 49-72, divide the mixed fractions and express your answer as a mixed fraction.

2 2
49. 8 ÷ 2 56. −4 ÷4
9 3
2 2 1
50. 4 ÷ 4 57. −5 ÷ −2
3 3 6
1 1 1 2
51. −3 ÷ 1 58. −2 ÷ −2
2 16 2 9
2 1 1 1
52. −1 ÷ 1 59. −6 ÷ 4
5 15 2 4
1 7 1 1
53. 6 ÷ 1 60. −1 ÷ 1
2 12 6 8
1 9 3
54. 5 ÷ 1 61. (−6) ÷ −1
2 10 11
5 2
55. (−4) ÷ 1 62. −6 ÷ (−6)
9 3
 4.5. MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING MIXED FRACTIONS 299

2 2 2
63. 4 ÷ (−4) 68. 1 ÷ 1
3 3 9
2 1 2
64. 6 ÷ (−6) 69. −7 ÷ −2
3 2 5

3 1 1 5
65. 1 ÷ −1 70. −5 ÷ −2
4 12 3 6

4 1 2 1
66. 2 ÷ −1 71. 3 ÷ −1
7 5 3 9
2 1 1 3
67. 5 ÷ 1 72. 8 ÷ −1
3 9 2 4

73. Small Lots. How many quarter-acre lots 75. Jewelry. To make some jewelry, a bar of
can be made from 6 12 acres of land? silver 4 21 inches long was cut into pieces 12
1

inch long. How many pieces were made?

74. Big Field. A field was formed from 17 21 76. Muffins. This recipe will make 6 muffins:
half-acre lots. How many acres was the 1 cup milk, 1 32 cups flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 tea-
resulting field ? spoon salt, 1 21 teaspoons baking powder.
Write the recipe for six dozen muffins.

❧ ❧ ❧ Answers ❧ ❧ ❧

7 3
1. 15. −2
3 5
20 1
3. 17. −3
19 5

10 1
5. − 19. 1
7 8
1
10 21. −1
7. 5
9
1
3 23. −1
9. − 2
2
6
4 25. 2
11. 7
3
2
6 27. 4
13. 1 3
7
 300 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

1 2
29. −4 53. 4
16 19
1 4
31. 8 55. −2
13 7
5 8
33. −5 57. 2
13 13
5
35. −5 9
14 59. −1
17
1
37. −10 5
5 61. 4
7
3
39. 12 1
4 63. −1
6
4
41. 10 8
5 65. −1
13
2
43. −8
3 1
67. 5
10
1
45. −3
6 1
69. 3
1 8
47. 4
11 3
71. −3
3 10
49. 3
5 73. 26 quarter-acre lots
5
51. −3 75. 54 pieces
17
4.6. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING MIXED FRACTIONS 301

4.6 Adding and Subtracting Mixed Fractions

In this section, we will learn how to add and subtract mixed fractions.

Adding Mixed Fractions

We can use tools we’ve already developed to add two or more mixed fractions.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 1. Simplify: 2 78 + 1 34 . Simplify:

Solution. Change the mixed fractions to improper fractions, make equivalent 2 1
fractions with a common denominator, then add. 3 +4
3 8
7 3 23 7
2 +1 = + Change to improper fractions.
8 4 8 4
23 7 · 2
= + Equivalent fractions with LCD = 8.
8 4·2
23 14
= + Simplify numerators and denominators.
8 8
37
= Add numerators over common denominator.
8
Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed
fraction: 37 divided by 8 is 4, with a remainder of 5. Thus,
7 3 5
2 +1 =4 .
8 4 8
19
Answer: 7 24


You Try It!

EXAMPLE 2. Simplify: 3 14 + 2 13 . Simplify:

Solution. Change the mixed fractions to improper fractions, make equivalent 1 2
fractions with a common denominator, then add. 8 +2
2 3
1 1 13 7
3 +2 = + Change to improper fractions.
4 3 4 3
13 · 3 7 · 4
= + Equivalent fractions with LCD = 12.
4·3 3·4
39 28
= + Simplify numerators and denominators.
12 12
67
= Add numerators over common denominator.
12
 302 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed
fraction: 67 divided by 12 is 5, with a remainder of 7. Thus,

1 1 7
3 +2 =5 .
4 3 12

Answer: 11 61


Mixed Fraction Approach. There is another possible approach, based on

the fact that a mixed fraction is a sum. Let’s revisit Example 2.

You Try It!

Simplify: EXAMPLE 3. Simplify: 3 41 + 2 31 .

2 1 Solution. Use the commutative and associative properties to change the order
7 +3
5 8 of addition, make equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add.

1 1 1 1
3 +2 = 3+ + 2+ Mixed fractions as sums.
4 3 4 3
1 1
= (3 + 2) + + Reorder and regroup.
4 3
1·3 1·4
=5+ + Add whole numbers: 3 + 2 = 5.
4·3 3·4
Equivalent fractions; LCD = 12.
3 4
=5+ + Simplify numerators and denominators.
12 12
7
=5+ Add numerators over common denominator.
12

This result can be written in mixed fraction form. Thus,

1 1 7
3 +2 =5 .
4 3 12
21
Answer: 10 40 Note that this solution is identical to the result found in Example 2.


Example 3 leads us to the following result.

Adding Mixed Fractions. To add two mixed fractions, add the whole num-
ber parts, then add the fractional parts.
4.6. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING MIXED FRACTIONS 303

Working in Vertical Format

When adding mixed fractions, many prefer to work in a vertical format. For
example, here is how we would arrange the solution from Example 2 and
Example 3 in vertical format. We create equivalent fractions, then add the
whole number parts and fractional parts.

1 1·3 3
3 = 3 = 3
4 4·3 12
1 1·4 4
+2 = +2 = +2
3 3·4 12

7
5
12
Note that the answer is identical to the answer found in Example 2 and Example 3.
That is,
1 1 7
3 +2 =5 .
4 3 12

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 4. Sarah is making window curtains for two rooms in her house. Jim is working on a project
The kitchen will require 5 23 yards of material and the dining room will require that requires two boards, the
6 58 yards of material. How much total material is required? first cut to a length of 6 21
feet, the second cut to a
Solution. To find the total material required for the two rooms, we must add
length of 5 87 feet. How many
5 23 and 6 85 . Create equivalent fractions with a common denominator, then add
total feet of board is
whole number parts and fractional parts.
required?
2 2·8 16
5 = 5 = 5
3 3·8 24
5 5·3 15
+6 = +6 = +6
8 8·3 24

31
11
24
An answer that is part mixed fraction, part improper fraction, is not allowed.
To finish, we need to change the improper fractional part to a mixed fraction,
7
then add. 31 divided by 24 is 1, with a remainder of 7. That is, 31/24 = 1 24 .
Now we can add whole number parts and fractional parts.
31 7
11 = 11 + 1
24 24
7
= 12 .
24
7
Thus, the total material required is 12 24 yards. Answer: 12 83 feet

 304 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Subtracting Mixed Fractions

Let’s look at some examples that subtract two mixed fractions.

You Try It!

Simplify: EXAMPLE 5. Simplify: 4 85 − 2 16

1
.
2 1 Solution. Change the mixed fractions to improper fractions, make equivalent
5 −3 fractions with a common denominator, then subtract.
3 5
5 1 37 33
4 −2 = − Change to improper fractions.
8 16 8 16
37 · 2 33
= − Equivalent fractions with LCD = 16.
8·2 16
74 33
= − Simplify numerators and denominators.
16 16
41
= Add numerators over common denominator.
16
Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed
fraction: 41 divided by 16 is 2, with a remainder of 9. Thus,
5 1 9
4 −2 =2 .
8 16 16
7
Answer: 2 15


You Try It!

Simplify: EXAMPLE 6. Simplify: 5 43 − 2 31 .

7 3 Solution. Change the mixed fractions to improper fractions, make equivalent
4 −2 fractions with a common denominator, then subtract.
9 18
3 1 23 7
5 −2 = − Change to improper fractions.
4 3 4 3
23 · 3 7 · 4
= − Equivalent fractions with LCD = 12.
4·3 3·4
69 28
= − Simplify numerators and denominators.
12 12
41
= Add numerators over common denominator.
12
Although this answer is perfectly acceptable, let’s change the answer to a mixed
fraction: 41 divided by 12 is 3, with a remainder of 5. Thus,
3 1 5
5 −2 =3 .
4 3 12
11
Answer: 2 18

4.6. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING MIXED FRACTIONS 305

Mixed Fraction Approach. There is another possible approach, based on

the fact that a mixed fraction is a sum. Let’s revisit Example 6.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 7. Simplify: 5 34 − 2 13 . Simplify:

Solution. A mixed fraction is a sum. 5 3
8 −4
6 8
3 1 3 1
5 −2 = 5+ − 2+
4 3 4 3

Distribute the negative sign.

3 1
= 5+ −2−
4 3

We could change the subtraction to adding the opposite, change the order of
addition, then change the adding of opposites back to subtraction. However,
it is much easier if we look at this last line as a request to add four numbers,
two of which are positive and two of which are negative. Changing the order
does not affect the answer.

3 1
= (5 − 2) + −
4 3

Note that we did not change the signs of any of the four numbers. We just
changed the order. Subtract the whole number parts. Make equivalent fractions
with a common denominator, then subtract the fractional parts.

3·3 1·4
= 3+ − Create equivalent fractions.
4·3 3·4
9 4
= 3+ − Simplify numerators and denominators.
12 12
5
= 3+ Subtract fractional parts.
12
Thus,
3 1 5
5 −2 =3 .
4 3 12
11
Note that this is exactly the same answer as that found in Example 6. Answer: 4 24


In Example 6, we see that we handle subtraction of mixed fractions in

exactly the same manner that we handle addition of mixed fractions.
 306 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Subtracting Mixed Fractions. To subtract two mixed fractions, subtract

their whole number parts, then subtract their fractional parts.

Working in Vertical Format

When subtracting mixed fractions, many prefer to work in a vertical format.
For example, here is how we would arrange the solution from Example 6 and
Example 7 in vertical format. We create equivalent fractions, then subtract
the whole number parts and fractional parts.

3 3·3 9
5 = 5 = 5
4 4·3 12
1 1·4 4
−2 = −2 = −2
3 3·4 12

5
3
12

Note that the answer is identical to the answer found in Example 6 and Example 7.
That is,
3 1 5
5 −2 =3 .
4 3 12

Borrowing in Vertical Format

Consider the following example.

You Try It!

Simplify: EXAMPLE 8. Simplify: 8 41 − 5 65 .

1 5 Solution. Create equivalent fractions with a common denominator.
7 −2
14 21

1 1·3 3
8 = 8 = 8
4 4·3 12
5 5·2 10
−5 = −5 = −5
6 6·2 12

You can see the difficulty. On the far right, we cannot subtract 10/12 from
3/12. The fix is to borrow 1 from 8 in the form of 12/12 and add it to the
3/12.
4.6. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING MIXED FRACTIONS 307

3 12 3 15
8 = 7+ + = 7
12 12 12 12
10 10 10
−5 = −5 = −5
12 12 12

5
2
12
Now we can subtract. Hence, 8 41 − 5 65 = 2 12
5
. Answer: 4 65


You Try It!

EXAMPLE 9. Jim has a metal rod of length 10 inches. He cuts a length Sarah has a length of curtain
from the metal rod measuring 2 87 inches. What is the length of the remaining material that measures 12
piece? feet. She cuts a length of 6 32
feet from her curtain
Solution. To find the length of the remaining piece, we must subtract 2 87 from material. What is the length
10. There is no fractional part on the first number. To remedy this absence, of the remaining piece?
we borrow 1 from 10 in the form of 8/8. Then we can subtract.

8 8
10 = 9+ = 9
8 8
7 7 7
−2 = −2 = −2
8 8 8

1
7
8
Hence, the length of the remaining piece of the metal rod is 7 18 inches. Answer: 5 31 feet

 308 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

❧ ❧ ❧ Exercises ❧ ❧ ❧

In Exercises 1-24, add or subtract the mixed fractions, as indicated, by first converting each mixed
fraction to an improper fraction. Express your answer as a mixed fraction.

1 1 1 1
1. 9 +9 13. 4 −1
4 2 2 8
1 1 1 1
2. 2 +9 14. 2 −1
3 2 2 3
1 1 7 3
3. 6 −1 15. 4 +1
2 3 8 4
1 3 1 1
4. 5 −1 16. 1 +5
3 4 8 2
1 1 1 1
5. 9 +7 17. 2 −1
2 4 3 4
1 3 1 1
6. 1 +9 18. 5 −1
3 4 3 4
2 1 1 3
7. 5 +4 19. 9 −1
3 2 2 4
9 3 1 3
8. 1 +2 20. 5 −1
16 4 2 16
1 1 2 1
9. 3 −1 21. 4 +1
3 4 3 4
1 1 1 1
10. 2 −1 22. 1 +1
2 4 4 3
1 1 1 1
11. 8 −1 23. 9 +3
2 3 2 8
1 2 1 2
12. 5 −1 24. 1 +1
2 3 4 3

In Exercises 25-48, add or subtract the mixed fractions, as indicated, by using vertical format. Express
your answer as a mixed fraction.

1 3 1 2
25. 3 +3 28. 2 +1
2 4 4 3

1 2 7 1
26. 1 +2 29. 1 +1
2 3 8 2

3 1 3 1
27. 1 +1 30. 1 +4
8 4 4 2
 4.6. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING MIXED FRACTIONS 309

1 2 1 2
31. 8 −5 40. 7 −4
2 3 2 3
1 2 1 3
32. 8 −1 41. 1 +1
2 3 16 4
1 3 1 1
33. 7 −1 42. 1 +1
2 16 4 3
1 1 1 2
34. 5 −1 43. 8 +3
2 3 2 3
1 1 2 1
35. 9 −1 44. 1 +2
2 3 3 2
1 3 1 3
36. 2 −1 45. 6 −1
2 16 2 16
1 1 1 1
37. 5 −2 46. 4 −1
3 2 2 3
1 1 2 1
38. 4 −1 47. 2 +1
4 2 3 4
1 2 1 1
39. 9 −2 48. 1 +1
2 3 2 16

❧ ❧ ❧ Answers ❧ ❧ ❧

3 1
1. 18 17. 1
4 12
1 3
3. 5 19. 7
6 4

3 11
5. 16 21. 5
4 12

1 5
7. 10 23. 12
6 8
1
1 25. 7
9. 2 4
12
5
1 27. 2
11. 7 8
6
3
3 29. 3
13. 3 8
8
5
5 31. 2
15. 6 6
8
 310 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

5 13
33. 6 41. 2
16 16
1 1
35. 8 43. 12
6 6
5 5
37. 2 45. 5
6 16
5 11
39. 6 47. 3
6 12
4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 311

4.7 Order of Operations with Fractions

Let’s begin by taking powers of fractions. Recall that

am = a · a ·. . . · a
m times

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 1. Simplify: (−3/4)2 . Simplify:

Solution. By definition, 2
2
−
2 5
3 3 3
− = − − Fact: a2 = a · a.
4 4 4
3·3
= Multiply numerators and denominators.
4·4 Product of even number of negative
factors is positive.
9
= Simplify.
16
Answer: 4/25


You Try It!

EXAMPLE 2. Simplify: (−2/3)3 . Simplify:

Solution. By definition, 3
1
−
3 6
2 2 2 2
− = − − − Fact: a3 = a · a · a.
3 3 3 3
2·2·2
=− Multiply numerators and denominators.
3·3·3 Product of odd number of negative
factors is negative.
8
=− Simplify.
27
Answer: −1/216

 312 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

The last two examples reiterate a principle learned earlier.

Odd and Even.

• The product of an even number of negative factors is positive.
• The product of an odd number of negative factors is negative.

Order of Operations
For convenience, we repeat here the rules guiding order of operations.

Rules Guiding Order of Operations. When evaluating expressions, pro-

ceed in the following order.
1. Evaluate expressions contained in grouping symbols first. If grouping
symbols are nested, evaluate the expression in the innermost pair of
grouping symbols first.
2. Evaluate all exponents that appear in the expression.
3. Perform all multiplications and divisions in the order that they appear
in the expression, moving left to right.
4. Perform all additions and subtractions in the order that they appear in
the expression, moving left to right.

You Try It!

1 1 1
EXAMPLE 3. Simplify: − + − .
Simplify: 2 4 3
Solution. Multiply first, then add.
2 3 1
− + − 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 4 2 − + − =− + − Multiply: − =− .
2 4 3 2 12 4 3 12
1·6 1
=− + − Equivalent fractions, LCD = 12.
2·6 12
6 1
=− + − Simplify numerator and denominator.
12 12
7
=− Add over common denominator.
12
Answer: −25/24

4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 313

You Try It!

2
1 1
EXAMPLE 4. Simplify: 2 − +4 − .
2 2 Simplify:
2
1 1
3 − −2 −
Solution. Exponents first, then multiply, then add. 3 3

2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 − +4 − =2 +4 − Exponent first: − = .
2 2 4 2 2 4
1 2 1 1
= + − Multiply: 2 =
2 1 4 2
1 2
and 4 − =− .
2 1
1 2·2
= + − Equivalent fractions, LCD = 2.
2 1·2
1 4
= + − Simplify numerator and denominator.
2 2
3
=− Add over common denominator.
2

Answer: 1

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 5. Given a = −3/4, b = 1/2, c = 1/3, and d = −1/4, evaluate Given a = −1/2, b = 1/3,
the expression ab − cd. and c = −1/5, evaluate
a + bc.

Solution. Recall that it is good practice to prepare parentheses before substi-

tuting.

ad − bc = ( )( )−( )( )

Substitute the given values into the algebraic expression, then simplify using
 314 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

order of operations.
3 1 1 1
ab − cd = − − − Substitute: −3/4 for a, 1/2 for b,
4 2 3 4
1/3 for c, and −1/4 for d.
3 1 3 1 3
=− − − Multiply first: − =−
8 12 4 2 8
1 1 1
and − =− .
3 4 12
3 1
=− + Subtract by adding opposite.
8 12
3·3 1·2
=− + Equivalent fractions; LCD = 24.
8 · 3 12 · 2
9 2
=− + Simplify numerators and denominators.
24 24
7
=− Add over common denominator.
24
Answer: −17/30


You Try It!

Give a = −1/2 and EXAMPLE 6. Given a = −1/4 and b = 1/2, evaluate (a2 − b2 ) ÷ (a + b).
b = −1/3, evaluate Solution. Recall that it is good practice to prepare parentheses before substi-
ab ÷ (a + b). tuting.

(a2 − b2 ) ÷ (a + b) = ( )2 − ( )2 ÷ ( )+( )

Substitute the given values into the algebraic expression, then evaluate expo-
nents first.
 
2 2
1 1 1 1
(a2 − b2 ) ÷ (a + b) = − − ÷ − +
4 2 4 2
1 1 1 1
= − ÷ − +
16 4 4 2
We must evaluate parentheses first. Inside each set of parentheses, create
equivalent fractions and perform subtractions and additions next.
1 1·4 1 1·2
= − ÷ − +
16 4 · 4 4 2·2
1 4 1 2
= − ÷ − +
16 16 4 4
3 1
=− ÷
16 4
4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 315

Invert and multiply.

3 4
=− ·
16 1
12
=−
16

Reduce.

12 ÷ 4
=−
16 ÷ 4
3
=−
4

Note: In the last step, you could also reduce by prime factoring numerator and
denominator and canceling common factors. Answer: −1/5


Complex Fractions

Complex Fractions. When the numerator and denominator of a fraction

contain fractions themselves, such an expression is called a complex fraction.

You can use the standard order of operations to simplify a complex fraction.
Recall the advice when a fraction is present.

Fractional Expressions. If a fractional expression is present, simplify the

numerator and denominator separately, then divide.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 7. Simplify: Simplify:

1 1 1 1
− + −
2 3 4 3
3 3 1 1
− +
4 2 4 3
 316 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Solution. We have addition in the numerator, subtraction in the denominator.

In each case, we need equivalent fractions with a common denominator.
1 1 1·3 1·2
− + − +
2 3 2·3 3·2
= Create equivalent fractions.
3 3 3 3·2
− −
4 2 4 2·2
3 2
− +
6 6
= Simplify numerator and denominator.
3 6
−
4 4
1
−
6 3 2 1
= Numerator: − + = − .
3 6 6 6
−
4 3 6 3
Denominator: − = − .
4 4 4

The last expression asks us to divide. Invert and multiply.

1 3
=− ÷ − A complex fraction means divide.
6 4
1 4
=− · − Invert and multiply.
6 3

Like signs (two negatives) give a positive product. Multiply numerators and
denominators, then reduce.

4
= Like signs yields positive answer.
18 Multiply numerators and denominators.
4÷2
= Divide both numerator and denominator by 2.
18 ÷ 2
2
= Simplify.
9
Alternatively, one could prime factor and cancel to reduce to lowest terms; that
is,
4 2·2
= Prime factor.
18 2·3·3
2·2
=
Cancel common factors.
2·3·3


2
= Simplify.
9

Answer: −1/7

4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 317

Clearing Fractions. An alternate technique for simplifying complex fractions

is available.

Clearing Fractions from Complex Fractions. You can clear fractions

from a complex fraction using the following algorithm:
1. Determine an LCD1 for the numerator.
2. Determine an LCD2 for the denominator.
3. Determine an LCD for both LCD1 and LCD2 .
4. Multiply both numerator and denominator by this “combined” LCD.

Let’s apply this technique to the complex fraction of Example 7.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 8. Simplify: Simplify:

1 1
− + 2 1
2 3 − +
3 5
3 3
− 4 1
4 2 −
5 2
Solution. As we saw in the solution in Example 7, common denominators
of 6 and 4 were used for the numerator and denominator, respectively. Thus,
a common denominator for both numerator and denominator would be 12.
We begin the alternate solution technique by multiplying both numerator and
denominator by 12.

1 1 1 1
− + 12 − +
2 3 2 3
= Multiply numerator and
3 3 3 3
− 12 −
4 2 4 2 denominator by 12.
1 1
12 − + 12
2 3
= Distribute the 12.
3 3
12 − 12
4 2
−6 + 4
= Multiply: 12(−1/2) = −6, 12(1/2) = 4.
9 − 18
12(3/4) = 9, and 12(3/2) = 18.
−2
= Simplify.
−9
2
= Like signs yields positive.
9
Answer: −14/9

318 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Application — Trapezoid
A trapezoid is a special type of quadrilateral (four-sided polygon).

Trapezoid. A quadrilateral with one pair of parallel opposite sides is called a

trapezoid. b2

b1
The pair of parallel sides are called the bases of the trapezoid. Their lengths
are marked by the variables b1 and b2 in the figure above. The distance between
the parallel bases is called the height or altitude of the trapezoid. The height
is marked by the variable h in the figure above.

Mathematicians use subscripts to create new variables. Thus, b1 (“b sub 1”)
and b2 (“b sub 2”) are two distinct variables, used in this case to represent the
length of the bases of the trapezoid.
By drawing in a diagonal, we can divide the trapezoid into two triangles
(see Figure 4.14).
b2

b1
Figure 4.14: Dividing the trapezoid into two triangles.

We can find the area of the trapezoid by summing the areas of the two triangles.

• The shaded triangle in Figure 4.14 has base b1 and height h. Hence, the
area of the shaded triangle is (1/2)b1 h.

• The unshaded triangle in Figure 4.14 has base b2 and height h. Hence,
the area of the unshaded triangle is (1/2)b2 h.

Summing the areas, the area of the trapezoid is

1 1
Area of Trapezoid = b1 h + b2 h.
2 2
We can use the distributive property to factor out a (1/2)h.
4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 319

Area of a Trapezoid. A trapezoid with bases b1 and b2 and height h has

area
1
A = h (b1 + b2 ) .
2
That is, to find the area, sum the bases, multiply by the height, and take
one-half of the result.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 9. Find the area of the trapezoid pictured below. A trapezoid has bases
measuring 6 and 15 feet,
2 21 in
respectively. The height of
the trapezoid is 5 feet. Find
3 in the area of the trapezoid.

4 41 in
Solution. The formula for the area of a trapezoid is
1
A= h (b1 + b2 )
2
Substituting the given bases and height, we get

1 1 1
A= (3) 4 + 2 .
2 4 2
Simplify the expression inside the parentheses first. Change mixed fractions
to improper fractions, make equivalent fractions with a common denominator,
then add.
1 17 5
A= (3) +
2 4 2
1 17 5 · 2
= (3) +
2 4 2·2
1 17 10
= (3) +
2 4 4
1 3 27
=
2 1 4

Multiply numerators and denominators.

81
=
8
 320 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

This improper fraction is a perfectly good answer, but let’s change this result
to a mixed fraction (81 divided by 8 is 10 with a remainder of 1). Thus, the
area of the trapezoid is
1
A = 10 square inches.
8
Answer: 52 21 square feet

 4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 321

❧ ❧ ❧ Exercises ❧ ❧ ❧

In Exercises 1-8, simplify the expression.

3 5
7 1
1. − 5.
3 2
3 5
1 3
2. 6.
2 4
4 2
5 4
3. 7.
3 3
4 2
3 8
4. − 8. −
5 5

9. If a = 7/6, evaluate a3 . 13. If b = −5/9, evaluate b2 .

10. If e = 1/6, evaluate e3 . 14. If c = 5/7, evaluate c2 .
11. If e = −2/3, evaluate −e2 . 15. If b = −1/2, evaluate −b3 .
12. If c = −1/5, evaluate −c2 . 16. If a = −2/9, evaluate −a3 .

In Exercises 17-36, simplify the expression.

1 1 7 7 4 8 8
17. − − − 24. − − ·
2 6 8 9 9 5 9
3 1 3 1 3 9 7
18. − − 25. + −
4 2 5 4 4 7 6
2 3 1 9
9 3 7 −
19. − − − 26. +
2 4 8
8 2 3
2 2
3 7 1 1 7 1
20. − − 27. − + −
2 8 2 3 8 3
2 2
1 7 1 2 2 1
21. − − − − 28. − +
2 4 2 9 3 2
2
1 9 7 5 5 7
22. − − 29. + ·
5 4 4 9 9 9
7 1 7 1 9 1
23. − − · 30. − + ·
6 7 9 2 8 3
 322 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

5 3 7 3 1 1 4
31. − + − − 34. − − −
6 8 9 4 3 5 3
2
7 6 2 8 5 1 1
32. + − 35. − + −
4 5 5 3 9 2 6
2
4 2 3 1 1 5
33. − − 36. + −
3 9 4 4 6 6

37. Given a = −5/4, b = 1/2, and c = 3/8, evaluate a + bc.

38. Given a = −3/5, b = 1/5, and c = 1/3, evaluate a + bc.
39. Given x = −1/8, y = 5/2, and z = −1/2, evaluate the expression x + yz.
40. Given x = −5/9, y = 1/4, and z = −2/3, evaluate the expression x + yz.
41. Given a = 3/4, b = 5/7, and c = 1/2, evaluate the expression a − bc.
42. Given a = 5/9, b = 2/3, and c = 2/9, evaluate the expression a − bc.
43. Given x = −3/2, y = 1/4, and z = −5/7, evaluate x2 − yz.
44. Given x = −3/2, y = −1/2, and z = 5/3, evaluate x2 − yz.
45. Given a = 6/7, b = 2/3, c = −8/9, and d = −6/7, evaluate ab + cd.
46. Given a = 4/9, b = −3/2, c = 7/3, and d = −8/9, evaluate ab + cd.
47. Given w = −1/8, x = −2/7, y = −1/2, and z = 8/7, evaluate wx − yz.
48. Given w = 2/7, x = −9/4, y = −3/4, and z = −9/2, evaluate wx − yz.
49. Given x = 3/8, y = 3/5, and z = −3/2, evaluate xy + z 2 .
50. Given x = −1/2, y = 7/5, and z = −3/2, evaluate xy + z 2 .
51. Given u = 9/7, v = 2/3, and w = −3/7, evaluate uv − w2 .
52. Given u = 8/7, v = −4/3, and w = 2/3, evaluate uv − w2 .
53. Given a = 7/8, b = −1/4, and c = −3/2, evaluate a2 + bc.
54. Given a = −5/8, b = 3/2, and c = −3/2, evaluate a2 + bc.
55. Given u = 1/3, v = 5/2, and w = −2/9, evaluate the expression u − vw.
56. Given u = −1/2, v = 1/4, and w = −1/4, evaluate the expression u − vw.
 4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 323

In Exercises 57-68, simplify the complex rational expression.

57. 63.
8 7 3 2
+ − −
3 6 2 3
9 1 7 2
− − − −
2 4 4 3
58. 64.
7 1 8 3
+ +
8 9 9 4
8 1 2 1
− − −
9 6 3 6
59. 65.
3 4 1 4
+ − −
4 3 2 7
1 5 5 1
+ − +
9 3 7 6
60. 66.
9 6 3 5
− − − −
8 5 2 8
7 1 3 1
+ −
4 2 4 2
61. 67.
7 5 3 1
+ − −
5 2 7 3
1 1 1 6
− + −
4 2 3 7
62. 68.
5 2 5 6
+ − −
6 3 8 5
3 2 5 3
+ − −
5 3 4 8

69. A trapezoid has bases measuring 3 38 and 71. A trapezoid has bases measuring 2 41 and
5 12 feet, respectively. The height of the 7 83 feet, respectively. The height of the
trapezoid is 7 feet. Find the area of the trapezoid is 7 feet. Find the area of the
trapezoid. trapezoid.

70. A trapezoid has bases measuring 2 12 and 72. A trapezoid has bases measuring 3 81 and
6 78 feet, respectively. The height of the 6 21 feet, respectively. The height of the
trapezoid is 3 feet. Find the area of the trapezoid is 3 feet. Find the area of the
trapezoid. trapezoid.
 324 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

73. A trapezoid has bases measuring 2 43 and 74. A trapezoid has bases measuring 2 14 and
6 85 feet, respectively. The height of the 7 18 feet, respectively. The height of the
trapezoid is 3 feet. Find the area of the trapezoid is 5 feet. Find the area of the
trapezoid. trapezoid.

❧ ❧ ❧ Answers ❧ ❧ ❧

343 80
1. − 29.
27 81
625 13
3. 31.
81 48
1 3
5. 33.
32 2
16 1
7. 35. −
9 4
343 17
9. 37. −
216 16
4 11
11. − 39. −
9 8
25 11
13. 41.
81 28
1 17
15. 43.
8 7
43 4
17. 45.
72 3
305 17
19. 47.
64 28
5 99
21. 49.
8 40
23 33
23. − 51.
18 49
3 73
25. − 53.
4 64
13 8
27. − 55.
72 9
 4.7. ORDER OF OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 325

46 16
57. − 67.
57 11
75
59. 1
64 69. 31
16
78
61.
5 11
71. 33
16
26
63.
29
1
73. 14
45 16
65.
23
 326 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

4.8 Solving Equations with Fractions

Undoing Subtraction
We can still add the same amount to both sides of an equation without changing
the solution.
You Try It!
5 1
Solver for x: EXAMPLE 1. Solve for x: x− = .
6 3
2 1 Solution. To “undo” subtracting 5/6, add 5/6 to both sides of the equation
x− = and simplify.
3 5
5 1
x−= Original equation.
6 3
5 5 1 5 5
x− + = + Add to both sides.
6 6 3 6 6
1·2 5
x= + Equivalent fractions, LCD = 6.
3·2 6
2 5
x= + Simplify.
6 6
7
x= Add.
6
It is perfectly acceptable to leave your answer as an improper fraction. If you
desire, or if you are instructed to do so, you can change your answer to a mixed
fraction (7 divided by 6 is 1 with a remainder of 1). That is x = 1 16 .
Checking the Solution. Substitute 7/6 for x in the original equation and
simplify.
5 1
x− = Original equation.
6 3
7 5 1
− = Substitute 7/6 for x.
6 6 3
2 1
= Subtract.
6 3
1 1
= Reduce.
3 3
Because the last statement is true, we conclude that 7/6 is a solution of the
Answer: 13/15 equation x − 5/6 = 1/3.


Undoing Addition
You can still subtract the same amount from both sides of an equation without
changing the solution.
4.8. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 327

You Try It!

2 3
EXAMPLE 2. Solve for x: x+ =− . Solve for x:
3 5
Solution. To “undo” adding 2/3, subtract 2/3 from both sides of the equation 3 1
x+ =−
and simplify. 4 2
2 3
x+=− Original equation.
3 5
2 2 3 2 2
x+ − =− − Subtract from both sides.
3 3 5 3 3
3·3 2·5
x=− − Equivalent fractions, LCD = 15.
5·3 3·5
9 10
x=− − Simplify.
15 15
19
x=− Subtract.
15
Readers are encouraged to check this solution in the original equation. Answer: −5/4


Undoing Multiplication
We “undo” multiplication by dividing. For example, to solve the equation
2x = 6, we would divide both sides of the equation by 2. In similar fashion, we
could divide both sides of the equation
3 4
x=
5 10
by 3/5. However, it is more efficient to take advantage of reciprocals. For
convenience, we remind readers of the Multiplicative Inverse Property.

Multiplicative Inverse Property. Let a/b be any fraction. The number

b/a is called the multiplicative inverse or reciprocal of a/b. The product of
reciprocals is 1.
a b
· = 1.
b a

Let’s put our knowledge of reciprocals to work.

You Try It!

3 4
EXAMPLE 3. Solve for x: x= . Solve for y:
5 10
2 4
y=
3 5
 328 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Solution. To “undo” multiplying by 3/5, multiply both sides by the reciprocal

5/3 and simplify.

3 4
x= Original equation.
5 10
5 3 5 4
x = Multiply both sides by 5/3.
3 5 3 10
5 3 20
· x= On the left, use the associative property
3 5 30
to regroup. On the right, multiply.
2 5 3
1x = On the left, · = 1.
3 3 5 20 2
On the right, reduce: = .
30 3
2
x= On the left, 1x = x.
3

Checking the Solution. Substitute 2/3 for x in the original equation and
simplify.

3 4
x= Original equation.
5 10
3 2 4
= Substitute 2/3 for x.
5 3 10
6 4
= Multiply numerators; multiply denominators.
15 10
2 2
= Reduce both sides to lowest terms.
5 5

Because this last statement is true, we conclude that 2/3 is a solution of the
Answer: 6/5 equation (3/5)x = 4/10.

You Try It!

8 5
Solve for z: EXAMPLE 4. Solve for x: − x= .
9 18
2 4
− z=
7 21 Solution. To “undo” multiplying by −8/9, multiply both sides by the recip-
4.8. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 329

rocal −9/8 and simplify.

8 5
− x= Original equation.
9 18
9 8 9 5
− − x =− Multiply both sides by −9/8.
8 9 8 18
 
9 8 3·3 5
− · − x=− · On the left, use the associative property
8 9 2·2·2 2·3·3
to regroup. On the right, prime factor.

·3
3
5 9 8
1x = − · On the left, − · − = 1.
2·2·2 2·

3 ·
3 8 9
On the right, cancel common factors.
5
x=− On the left, 1x = x. Multiply on right.
16

Readers are encouraged to check this solution in the original equation. Answer: −2/3


Clearing Fractions from the Equation

Although the technique demonstrated in the previous examples is a solid math-
ematical technique, working with fractions in an equation is not always the most
efficient use of your time.

Clearing Fractions from the Equation. To clear all fractions from an

equation, multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denominator
of the fractions that appear in the equation.

Let’s put this idea to work.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 5. In Example 1, we were asked to solve the following equation Solve for t:
for x:
2 1
5 1 t− =−
x− = . 7 4
6 3
Take a moment to review the solution technique in Example 1. We will now
solve this equation by first clearing all fractions from the equation.
 330 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Solution. Multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denomi-
nator for the fractions appearing in the equation.
5 1
x− = Original equation.
6 3
5 1
6 x− =6 Multiply both sides by 6.
6 3
5 1
6x − 6 =6 Distribute the 6.
6 3
6x − 5 = 2 On each side, multiply first.
5 1
6 = 5 and 6 = 2.
6 3

Note that the equation is now entirely clear of fractions, making it a much
simpler equation to solve.

6x − 5 + 5 = 2 + 5 Add 5 to both sides.

6x = 7 Simplify both sides.
6x 7
= Divide both sides by 6.
6 6
7
x= Simplify.
6
Answer: 1/28 Note that this is the same solution found in Example 1.


You Try It!

Solve for u: EXAMPLE 6. In Example 4, we were asked to solve the following equation
for x.
7 14 8 5
− u= − x=
9 27 9 18
Take a moment to review the solution in Example 4. We will now solve this
equation by first clearing all fractions from the equation.
Solution. Multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denomi-
nator for the fractions that appear in the equation.
8 5
− x= Original equation.
9 18
8 5
18 − x = 18 Multiply both sides by 18.
9 18
−16x = 5 On each side, cancel and multiply.
8 5
18 − = −16 and 18 = 5.
9 18
4.8. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 331

Note that the equation is now entirely free of fractions. Continuing,

−16x 5
= Divide both sides by −16.
−16 −16
5
x=− Simplify.
16
Note that this is the same as the solution found in Example 4. Answer: −2/3


You Try It!

2 3 1
EXAMPLE 7. Solve for x: x+ = . Solve for r:
3 4 2
Solution. Multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denomi- 3 2 1
nator for the fractions appearing in the equation. r+ =
4 3 2
2 3 1
x+ = Original equation.
3 4 2
2 3 1
12 x+ = 12 Multiply both sides by 12.
3 4 2
2 3 1
12 x + 12 = 12 On the left, distribute 12.
3 4 2
2 3
8x + 9 = 6 Multiply: 12 x = 8x, 12 = 9,
3 4
1
and 12 = 6.
2

Note that the equation is now entirely free of fractions. We need to isolate the
terms containing x on one side of the equation.

8x + 9 − 9 = 6 − 9 Subtract 9 from both sides.

8x = −3 Simplify both sides.
8x −3
= Divide both sides by 8.
8 8
3
x=− Simplify both sides.
8
Readers are encouraged to check this solution in the original equation. Answer: −2/9


You Try It!

2 3x x 1
EXAMPLE 8. Solve for x: − = − . Solve for s:
3 4 2 8
3 2s s 1
− = −
2 5 3 5
 332 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Solution. Multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denomi-
nator for the fractions in the equation.
2 3x x 1
− = − Original equation.
3 4 2 8
2 3x x 1
24 − = 24 − Multiply both sides by 24.
3 4 2 8
2 3x x 1
24 − 24 = 24 − 24 On both sides, distribute 24.
3 4 2 8
2 3x
16 − 18x = 12x − 3 Left: 24 = 16, 24 = 18x.
3 4
x 1
Right: 24 = 12x, 24 = 3.
2 8

Note that the equation is now entirely free of fractions. We need to isolate the
terms containing x on one side of the equation.

16 − 18x − 12x = 12x − 3 − 12x Subtract 12x from both sides.

16 − 30x = −3 Left: −18x − 12x = −30x.
Right: 12x − 12x = 0.
16 − 30x − 16 = −3 − 16 Subtract 16 from both sides.
−30x = −19 Left: 16 − 16 = 0.
Right: −3 − 16 = −19.
−30x −19
= Divide both sides by −30.
−30 −30
19
x= Simplify both sides.
30
Answer: 51/22 Readers are encouraged to check this solution in the original equation.


Applications
Let’s look at some applications that involve equations containing fractions. For
convenience, we repeat the Requirements for Word Problem Solutions.

Requirements for Word Problem Solutions.

1. Set up a Variable Dictionary. You must let your readers know what
each variable in your problem represents. This can be accomplished in a
number of ways:
• Statements such as “Let P represent the perimeter of the rectangle.”
4.8. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 333

• Labeling unknown values with variables in a table.

• Labeling unknown quantities in a sketch or diagram.
2. Set up an Equation. Every solution to a word problem must include a
carefully crafted equation that accurately describes the constraints in the
problem statement.
3. Solve the Equation. You must always solve the equation set up in the
previous step.
4. Answer the Question. This step is easily overlooked. For example, the
problem might ask for Jane’s age, but your equation’s solution gives the
age of Jane’s sister Liz. Make sure you answer the original question
asked in the problem. Your solution should be written in a sentence with
appropriate units.
5. Look Back. It is important to note that this step does not imply that
you should simply check your solution in your equation. After all, it’s
possible that your equation incorrectly models the problem’s situation, so
you could have a valid solution to an incorrect equation. The important
question is: “Does your answer make sense based on the words in the
original problem statement.”

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 9. In the third quarter of a basketball game, announcers informed Attendance for the Celtics
the crowd that attendance for the game was 12,250. If this is two-thirds of the game was 9,510. If this is
capacity, find the full seating capacity for the basketball arena. 3/4 of capacity, what is the
capacity of the Celtics’
Solution. We follow the Requirements for Word Problem Solutions. arena?

1. Set up a Variable Dictionary. Let F represent the full seating capacity.

Note: It is much better to use a variable that “sounds like” the quantity
that it represents. In this case, letting F represent the full seating ca-
pacity is much more descriptive than using x to represent the full seating
capacity.

2. Set up an Equation. Two-thirds of the full seating capacity is 12,250.

Full Seating
Two-thirds of is 12,250
Capacity
2
· F = 12,250
3
 334 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

Hence, the equation is

2
F = 12250.
3
3. Solve the Equation. Multiply both sides by 3 to clear fractions, then
solve.
2
F = 12250 Original equation.
3
2
3 F = 3(12250) Multiply both sides by 3.
3
2F = 36750 Simplify both sides.
2F 36750
= Divide both sides by 2.
2 2
F = 18375 Simplify both sides.

4. Answer the Question. The full seating capacity is 18,375.

5. Look Back. The words of the problem state that 2/3 of the seating
capacity is 12,250. Let’s take two-thirds of our answer and see what we
get.
2 2 18375
· 18375 = ·
3 3 1
2 3 · 6125
= ·
3 1
2 3
· 6125
= ·

3 1
= 12250
Answer: 12,680 This is the correct attendance, so our solution is correct.

You Try It!

The area of a triangle is 161 EXAMPLE 10. The area of a triangle is 20 square inches. If the length of
square feet. If the base of the base is 2 21 inches, find the height (altitude) of the triangle.
the triangle measures 40 41
Solution. We follow the Requirements for Word Problem Solutions.
feet, find the height of the
triangle. 1. Set up a Variable Dictionary. Our variable dictionary will take the form
of a well labeled diagram.

2 21 in
4.8. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 335

2. Set up an Equation. The area A of a triangle with base b and height h is

1
A= bh.
2
Substitute A = 20 and b = 2 21 .
1 1
20 = 2 h.
2 2
3. Solve the Equation. Change the mixed fraction to an improper fraction,
then simplify.
1 1
20 = 2 h Original equation.
2 2
1 5 1 5
20 = h Mixed to improper: 2 = .
2 2 2 2
1 5
20 = · h Associative property.
2 2
5 1 5 5
20 = h Multiply: · = .
4 2 2 4
Now, multiply both sides by 4/5 and solve.

4 4 5
(20) = h Multiply both sides by 4/5.
5 5 4
4
16 = h Simplify: (20) = 16
5
4 5
and · = 1.
5 4
4. Answer the Question. The height of the triangle is 16 inches.
5. Look Back. If the height is 16 inches and the base is 2 21 inches, then the
area is
1 1
A= 2 (16)
2 2
1 5 16
= · ·
2 2 1
5 · 16
=
2·2
(5) · (2 · 2 · 2 · 2)
=
(2) · (2)
5 · 2
· 2
· 2 · 2
=

2 ·
2
= 20
This is the correct area (20 square inches), so our solution is correct. Answer: 8 feet


 336 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

❧ ❧ ❧ Exercises ❧ ❧ ❧

1. Is 1/4 a solution of the equation 7. Is 3/8 a solution of the equation

5 5 5 13
x+ = ? x− =− ?
8 8 9 72
2. Is 1/4 a solution of the equation 8. Is 1/2 a solution of the equation
1 5 3 1
x+ = ? x− =− ?
3 12 5 10
3. Is −8/15 a solution of the equation 9. Is 2/7 a solution of the equation
1 1 4 8
x=− ? x− =− ?
4 15 9 63
4. Is −18/7 a solution of the equation 10. Is 1/9 a solution of the equation
3 25 4 31
− x= ? x− =− ?
8 28 7 63
5. Is 1/2 a solution of the equation 11. Is 8/5 a solution of the equation
4 17 11 44
x+ = ? x= ?
9 18 14 35
6. Is 1/3 a solution of the equation 12. Is 16/9 a solution of the equation
3 13 13 104
x+ = ? x= ?
4 12 18 81

In Exercises 13-24, solve the equation and simplify your answer.

13. 2x − 3 = 6x + 7 19. −8x = 7x − 7

14. 9x − 8 = −9x − 3 20. −6x = 5x + 4
15. −7x + 4 = 3x 21. −7x + 8 = 2x
16. 6x + 9 = −6x 22. −x − 7 = 3x
17. −2x = 9x − 4 23. −9x + 4 = 4x − 6
18. −6x = −9x + 8 24. −2x + 4 = x − 7
 4.8. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 337

In Exercises 25-48, solve the equation and simplify your answer.

3 1 4 7
25. x + = 37. x − =
2 2 7 8
3 1 4 3
26. x− = 38. x + =−
4 4 9 4
9 1 8 2
27. − x= 39. x + =
5 2 9 3
7 7 5 1
28. x=− 40. x − =
3 2 6 4
3 8 5 9
29. x= 41. x + =−
8 7 2 8
1 3 15
30. − x=− 42. x + =
9 5 23
2 1 8 7
31. x=− 43. − x=
5 6 5 9
1 2 3 5
32. x= 44. − x=−
6 9 2 9
3 8 1 1
33. − x= 45. x− =−
2 7 4 8
3 7 9 7
34. − x=− 46. x− =−
2 5 2 2
3 5 1 1
35. x+ = 47. − x=
4 9 4 2
1 3 8 8
36. x− =− 48. − x=−
9 2 9 3

In Exercises 49-72, solve the equation and simplify your answer.

7 2 3 2 1 4 2
49. − x − = x + 55. x− =−
3 3 4 3 4 3 3
1 1 3 3 8 3 5
50. x − = x + 56. x+ =
2 2 2 4 7 7 3
7 5 4 5 3 1
51. − x − = 57. x+ =−
2 4 5 3 2 4
7 5 8 1 8 2
52. − x + = − 58. x− =−
6 6 9 2 3 5
9 9 5 1 4 9 5
53. − x + = − 59. − x+ =− x−
7 2 2 3 5 5 6
5 7 1 2 3 4 3
54. x − = 60. − x− = x−
9 2 4 9 5 5 2
 338 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

4 8 1 1 3 2 8 1
61. − x − = x − 67. − x + = x −
9 9 2 2 4 7 7 3
5 5 8 7 1 1 5 1
62. − x − = x + 68. x + = − x −
4 3 7 3 2 3 2 4
1 1 1 5 3 2 2 1
63. x − = − x + 69. − x − = − x −
2 8 8 7 4 3 3 2
3 8 7 1 1 5 3 4
64. − x + = x − 70. x − = x +
2 3 9 2 3 7 2 3
3 1 1 5 9 5
65. − x − = − 71. − x + =
7 3 9 2 5 8
2 2 9 9 4 1
66. x + = − 72. x + = −
3 9 5 4 3 6

73. At a local soccer game, announcers in- 77. The area of a triangle is 18 square inches.
formed the crowd that attendance for the If the length of the base is 4 12 inches, find
game was 4,302. If this is 2/9 of the ca- the height (altitude) of the triangle.
pacity, find the full seating capacity for
78. The area of a triangle is 44 square inches.
the soccer stadium.
If the length of the base is 5 12 inches, find
74. At a local basketball game, announcers in- the height (altitude) of the triangle.
formed the crowd that attendance for the
79. At a local hockey game, announcers in-
game was 5,394. If this is 2/7 of the ca-
formed the crowd that attendance for the
pacity, find the full seating capacity for
game was 4,536. If this is 2/11 of the ca-
the basketball stadium.
pacity, find the full seating capacity for
75. The area of a triangle is 51 square inches. the hockey stadium.
If the length of the base is 8 12 inches, find
80. At a local soccer game, announcers in-
the height (altitude) of the triangle.
formed the crowd that attendance for the
76. The area of a triangle is 20 square inches. game was 6,970. If this is 2/7 of the ca-
If the length of the base is 2 12 inches, find pacity, find the full seating capacity for
the height (altitude) of the triangle. the soccer stadium.

81. Pirates. About one-third of the world’s pirate attacks in 2008 occurred off the Somali coast. If
there were 111 pirate attacks off the Somali coast, estimate the number of pirate attacks worldwide
in 2008.

82. Nuclear arsenal. The U.S. and Russia agreed to cut nuclear arsenals of long-range nuclear
weapons by about a third, down to 1, 550. How many long-range nuclear weapons are there now?
Associated Press-Times-Standard 04/04/10 Nuclear heartland anxious about missile cuts.
 4.8. SOLVING EQUATIONS WITH FRACTIONS 339

83. Seed vault. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault has amassed half a million seed samples, and now
houses at least one-third of the world’s crop seeds. Estimate the total number of world’s crop
seeds. Associated Press-Times-Standard 03/15/10 Norway doomsday seed vault hits half-million
mark.

84. Freight train. The three and one-half mile long Union Pacific train is about 2 21 times the length
of a typical freight train. How long is a typical freight train? Associated Press-Times-Standard
01/13/10 Unususally long train raises safety concerns.

❧ ❧ ❧ Answers ❧ ❧ ❧

1. No 64
29.
21
3. No 5
31. −
12
5. Yes
16
33. −
7. Yes 21
7
9. No 35. −
36
81
11. Yes 37.
56
5
13. − 2
2 39. −
9
2 29
15. 41. −
5 8
4 35
17. 43. −
11 72
1
7 45.
19. 8
15
47. −2
8
21. 16
9 49. −
37
10
23. 41
13 51. −
70
25. −1 49
53.
9
5
27. − 8
18 55.
3
 340 CHAPTER 4. FRACTIONS

21 47
57. − 71.
20 100
49 73. 19,359
59. −
44
7 75. 12
61. −
17
77. 8
47
63.
35
79. 24,948
14
65. −
27 81. There were about 333 pirate attacks
52 worldwide.
67.
159
83. 1, 500, 000
69. −2
 Chapter 5

Decimals

On January 29, 2001, the New York Stock exchange ended its 200-year tradition
of quoting stock prices in fractions and switched to decimals.
It was said that pricing stocks the same way other consumer items were
priced would make it easier for investors to understand and compare stock
prices. Foreign exchanges had been trading in decimals for decades. Supporters
of the change claimed that trading volume, the number of shares of stock
traded, would increase and improve efficiency.
But switching to decimals would have another effect of narrowing the spread.
The spread is the difference between the best price offered by buyers, called
the bid, and the price requested by sellers called the ask. Stock brokers make
commissions as a percentage of the spread which, using fractions, could be
anywhere upwards from 12 cents per share.
When the New York Stock Exchange began back in 1792, the dollar was
based on the Spanish real, (pronounced ray-al), also called pieces of eight as
these silver coins were often cut into quarters or eighths to make change. This
is what led to stock prices first denominated in eighths. Thus, the smallest
spread that could occur would be 1/8 of a dollar, or 12.5 cents. That may
seem like small change, but buying 1000 shares for $1 per share with a $0.125
spread is a $125.00 commision. Not bad for a quick trade!
Decimalization of stock pricing allowed for spreads as small as 1 cent. Since
the number of shares traded on stock market exchanges have skyrocketed, with
trillions of shares traded daily, stock broker commissions have not suffered. And
the ease with which investors can quickly grasp the price of stock shares has
contributed to the opening of markets for all classes of people.
In this chapter, we’ll learn about how to compute and solve problems with
decimals, and see how they relate to fractions.

341
342 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

5.1 Introduction to Decimals

Recall that whole numbers are constructed by using digits.

The Digits. The set

{0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

is called the set of digits.

As an example, the whole number 55,555 (“fifty-five thousand five hundred

fifty-five”) is constructed by using a single digit. However, the position of the
digit 5 determines its value in the number 55,555. The first occurrence of the

5 5 5 5 5
ten thousands

thousands

hundreds

ones
tens
10,000

1,000

100
10
1

Table 5.1: Place value.

digit 5 happens in the ten thousands place, so its value is 5 ten thousands, or
50,000. The next occurrence of the digit 5 is in the thousands place, so its
value is 5 thousands, or 5,000. Indeed, the whole number 55,555 in expanded
form is
50000 + 5000 + 500 + 50 + 5,

which reflects the value of the digit 5 in each place.

Decimal Notation
In Table 5.1, each time you move one column to the left, the place value is 10
times larger than the place value of the preceding column. Vice-versa, each
time you move one column to the right, the place value is 1/10 of the place
value of the preceding column.
Now, consider the decimal number 12.3456, which consists of three parts:
the whole number part, the decimal point, and the fractional part.
5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 343

12 . 3456

Whole number part Fractional part

Decimal point

The whole number part of the decimal number is the part that lies strictly
to the left of the decimal point, and the place value of each digit in the whole
number part is given by the columns shown in Table 5.1.
The fractional part of the decimal number is the part that lies strictly to
the right of the decimal point. As we saw in Table 5.1, each column has a value
equal to 1/10 of the value of the column that lies to its immediate left. Thus,
it should come as no surprise that:

• The first column to the right of the decimal point has place value 1/10
(tenths).

• The second column to the right of the decimal point has place value 1/100
(hundredths).

• The third column to the right of the decimal point has place value 1/1000
(thousandths).

• The fourth column to the right of the decimal point has place value
1/10000 (ten-thousandths).

These results are summarized for the decimal number 12.3456 in Table 5.2.

1 2 . 3 4 5 6
ten-thousandths
decimal point

thousandths
hundredths
tenths
ones
tens

1/10000
1/1000
1/100
1/10
10
1
.

Table 5.2: Place value.

 344 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

Pronouncing Decimal Numbers

The decimal number 12.3456 is made up of 1 ten, 2 ones, 3 tenths, 4 hundredths,
5 thousandths, and 6 ten-thousandths (see Table 5.2), and can be written in
expanded form as
3 4 5 6
12.3456 = 10 + 2 + + + + .
10 100 1000 10000
Note that the whole numbers can be combined and the fractions can be written
with a common denominator and summed.
3 · 1000 4 · 100 5 · 10 6
12.3456 = 12 + + + +
10 · 1000 100 · 100 1000 · 10 10000
3000 400 50 6
= 12 + + + +
10000 10000 10000 10000
3456
= 12 +
10000
The result tells us how to pronounce the number 12.3456. It is pronounced
“twelve and three thousand, four hundred fifty-six ten-thousandths.”

You Try It!

Place the decimal number EXAMPLE 1. Place the decimal number 1,234.56 in expanded form, then
3,502.23 in expanded form, combine the whole number part and sum the fractional part over a common
then combine the whole denominator. Use the result to help pronounce the decimal number.
number part and sum the
Solution. In expanded form,
fractional part over a
common denominator 5 6
1, 234.56 = 1, 000 + 200 + 30 + 4 + +
10 100

Sum the whole number parts. Express the fractional parts as equivalent frac-
tions and combine over one common denominator.

5 · 10 6
= 1, 234 + +
10 · 10 100
50 6
= 1, 234 + +
100 100
56
= 1, 234 +
100
Hence, 1,234.56 is pronounced “one thousand, two hundred thirty-four and
23
Answer: 3, 502 + 100 fifty-six hundredths.”

5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 345

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 2. Place the decimal number 56.128 in expanded form, then Place the decimal number
combine the whole number part and sum the fractional part over a common 235.568 in expanded form,
denominator. Use the result to help pronounce the decimal number. then combine the whole
number part and sum the
Solution. In expanded form,
fractional part over a
1 2 8 common denominator
56.128 = 50 + 6 + + +
10 100 1000

Sum the whole number parts. Express the fractional parts as equivalent frac-
tions and combine over one common denominator.

1 · 100 2 · 10 8
= 56 + + +
10 · 100 100 · 10 1000
100 20 8
= 56 + + +
1000 1000 1000
128
= 56 +
1000
568
Thus, 56.128 is pronounced “fifty-six and one hundred twenty-eight thousandths.” Answer: 235 + 1000

The discussion and example leads to the following result.

How to Read a Decimal Number

1. Pronounce the whole number part to the left of the decimal as you would
any whole number.

2. Say the word “and” for the decimal point.

3. State the fractional part to the right of the decimal as you would any
whole number, followed by the place value of the digit in the rightmost
column.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 3. Pronounce the decimal number 34.12. Pronounce 28.73

Solution. The rightmost digit in the fractional part of 34.12 is in the hun-
dredths column. Thus, 34.12 is pronounced “thirty-four and twelve hundredths.” Answer: “Twenty-eight and
seventy-three hundredths”

 346 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

Important Point. In pronouncing decimal numbers, the decimal point is

read as “and.” No other instance of the word “and” should appear in the
pronunciation.

You Try It!

Pronounce 286.9. EXAMPLE 4. Explain why “four hundred and thirty-four and two tenths”
is an incorrect pronunciation of the decimal number 434.2.
Solution. The decimal point is read as “and.” No other occurrence of the
word “and” is allowed in the pronunciation. The correct pronunciation should
Answer: “Four hundred be “four hundred thirty-four and two tenths.”
thirty-four and two tenths”


You Try It!

Pronounce 7, 002.207. EXAMPLE 5. Pronounce the decimal number 5,678.123.

Solution. The rightmost digit in the fractional part of 5,678.123 is in the
thousandths column. Hence, 5,678.123 is pronounced “5 thousand six hundred
Answer: “Seven thousand seventy-eight and one hundred twenty-three thousandths.”
two and two hundred seven
thousandths.”


You Try It!

Pronounce 500.1205. EXAMPLE 6. Pronounce the decimal number 995.4325.

Solution. The rightmost digit in the fractional part of 995.4325 is in the ten-
thousandths column. Hence, 995.4325 is pronounced “nine hundred ninety-five
Asnwer: “Five hundred and and four thousand three hundred twenty-five ten-thoudandths.”
one thousand two hundred
five ten-thousandths.”


Decimals to Fractions
Because we now have the ability to pronounce decimal numbers, it is a simple
exercise to change a decimal to a fraction.1 For example, 134.12 is pronounced
1 Changing fractions to decimals will be covered in Section 5.5.
5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 347

“one hundred thirty-four and twelve hundredths,” so it can easily be written

as a mixed fraction.
12
134.12 = 134
100
But this mixed fraction can be changed to an improper fraction.
12 100 · 134 + 12
134 =
100 100
13400 + 12
=
100
13412
=
100
Note that the numerator is our original number without the decimal point.
There are two decimal places in the original number and the denominator of
the final improper fraction contains two zeros.
This discussion leads to the following result.

Changing Decimals to Improper Fractions. To change a decimal number

to an improper fraction, proceed as follows:
1. Create a fraction.

2. Place the decimal number in the numerator without the decimal

point.
3. Count the number of decimal places. Place an equal number of zeros in
the denominator.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 7. Change the following decimal numbers to improper fractions: Change 17.205 to an
(a) 1.2345, and (b) 27.198. improper fraction.
Solution. In each case, place the number in the numerator without the decimal
point. In the denominator, add a number of zeros equal to the number of
decimal places.

a) The decimal number 1.2345 has four decimal places. Hence,

12345
1.2345 =
10000

b) The decimal number 27.198 has three decimal places. Hence,

27198
27.198 =
1000
17205
Answer:
100


 348 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

You Try It!

Change 0.375 to a fraction, EXAMPLE 8. Change each of the following decimals to fractions reduced to
reduced to lowest terms. lowest terms: (a) 0.35, and (b) 0.125.
Solution. Place each number in the numerator without the decimal point.
Place a number of zeros in the denominator equal to the number of decimal
places. Reduce to lowest terms.

a) First, place 35 over 100.

35
0.35 =
100

We can divide both numerator and denominator by the greatest common

divisor.

35 ÷ 5
= Divide numerator and denominator by 5.
100 ÷ 5
7
= Simplify numerator and denominator.
20

b) First, place 125 over 1000.

125
0.125 =
1000

Prime factor and cancel common factors.

5·5·5
= Prime factor numerator and denominator.
2·2·2·5·5·5
5
· 5
· 5

= Cancel common factors.
2 · 2 · 2 ·
5 ·
5 ·
5
1
= Simplify.
8

Answer: 3/8

Rounding
The rules for rounding decimal numbers are almost identical to the rules for
rounding whole numbers. First, a bit of terminology.
5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 349

Rounding Digit and Test Digit. The digit in the place to which we wish to
round is called the rounding digit and the digit that follows on its immediate
right is called the test digit.

If we want to round the decimal number 12.254 to the nearest hundredth,

then the rounding digit is 5 and the test digit is 4.

Test digit

12.2 5 4

Rounding digit

If we used the rules for rounding whole numbers, because the test digit 4 is
less than 5, we would replace all digits to the right of the rounding digit with
zeros to obtain the following approximation.

12.254 ≈ 12.250

However, because
250 25
12.250 = 12 = 12 ,
1000 100
the trailing zero at the end of the fractional part is irrelevant. Hence, we trun-
cate every digit after the rounding digit and use the following approximation.

12.254 ≈ 12.25

Important Observation. Deleting trailing zeros from the end of the frac-
tional part of a decimal number does not change its value.

The above discussion motivates the following algorithm for rounding deci-
mal numbers.

Rounding Decimal Numbers. Locate the rounding digit and the test digit.

• If the test digit is greater than or equal to 5, add 1 to the rounding digit
and truncate all digits to the right of the rounding digit.
• If the test digit is less than 5, simply truncate all digits to the right of
the rounding digit.
 350 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

You Try It!

Round 9.2768 to the nearest EXAMPLE 9. Round 8.7463 to the nearest hundredth.
hundredth.
Solution. Locate the rounding digit in the hundredths place and the test digit
to its immediate right.

Test digit

8.7 4 6 3

Rounding digit

Because the test digit is greater than 5, add 1 to the rounding digit and truncate
all digits to the right of the rounding digit. Hence, to the nearest hundredth:

8.7463 ≈ 8.75

Answer: 9.28


You Try It!

Round 58.748 to the nearest EXAMPLE 10. Round 113.246 to the nearest tenth.
tenth.
Solution. Locate the rounding digit in the tenths place and the test digit to
its immediate right.

Test digit

113. 2 4 6

Rounding digit

Because the test digit is less than 5, truncate all digits to the right of the
rounding digit. Hence, to the nearest tenth:

113.246 ≈ 113.2

Answer: 58.7


Comparing Decimals
We can compare two positive decimals by comparing digits in each place as
we move from left to right, place by place. For example, suppose we wish to
compare the decimal numbers 5.234 and 5.2357. First, add enough trailing
5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 351

zeros to the decimal number with the fewer decimal places so that the numbers
have the same number of decimal places. In this case, note that
234 2340
5.234 = 5 =5 = 5.2340.
1000 10000

Important Observation. Adding trailing zeros to the end of the fractional

part of a decimal number does not change its value.

Next, align the numbers as follows.

5.2340
5.2357
Same digit
Same digit
Same digit Different digit

As you scan the columns, moving left to right, the first place that has different
digits occurs in the thousandths place, where the digit 5 is the second number
is greater than the digit 4 in the first number in the same place. Because 5 is
greater than 4, the second number is larger than the first. That is:

5.234 < 5.2357

This discussion suggests the following algorithm.

Comparing Positive Decimal Numbers.

1. Add enough trailing zeros so that both numbers have the same number
of decimal places.
2. Compare the digits in each place, moving left to right.
3. As soon as you find two digits in the same place that are different, the
decimal number with the greatest digit in this place is the larger number.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 11. Compare 4.25 and 4.227. Compare 8.34 and 8.348.
Solution. Add a trailing zero to the first decimal number and align the num-
bers as follows.
4.250
4.227
Same digit
Same digit Different digit
 352 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

The first difference is in the hundredths place, where the digit 5 in the first
number is greater than the digit 2 in the same place of the second number.
Hence, the first number is larger than the second; that is:

4.25 > 4.227

Answer: 8.34 < 8.348



When comparing negative numbers, the number with the larger magnitude
is the smaller number. Hence, we have to adjust our algorithm for comparing
negative decimal numbers.

Comparing Negative Decimal Numbers.

1. Add enough trailing zeros so that both numbers have the same number
of decimal places.
2. Compare the digits in each place, moving left to right.
3. As soon as you find two digits in the same place that are different, the
decimal number with the greatest digit in this place is the smaller num-
ber.

You Try It!

Compare −7.86 and −7.85. EXAMPLE 12. Compare −4.25 and −4.227.
Solution. Add a trailing zero to the first decimal number and align the num-
bers as follows.
−4.250
−4.227
Same digit
Same digit Different digit
The first difference is in the hundredths place, where the digit 5 in the first
number is greater than the digit 2 in the same place of the second number.
Hence, the first number is smaller than the second; that is:

−4.25 < −4.227

Answer: −7.86 < −7.85


 5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 353

❧ ❧ ❧ Exercises ❧ ❧ ❧

1. Which digit is in the tenths column of the 7. Which digit is in the hundredths column
number 4,552.0908? of the number 3,501.4456?
2. Which digit is in the thousandths column 8. Which digit is in the ten-thousandths col-
of the number 7,881.6127? umn of the number 9,214.3625?
3. Which digit is in the tenths column of the 9. Which digit is in the hundredths column
number 4,408.2148? of the number 5,705.2193?
4. Which digit is in the tenths column of the 10. Which digit is in the hundredths column
number 9,279.0075? of the number 7,135.2755?
5. Which digit is in the ten-thousandths col- 11. Which digit is in the tenths column of the
umn of the number 2,709.5097? number 8,129.3075?
6. Which digit is in the hundredths column 12. Which digit is in the thousandths column
of the number 1,743.1634? of the number 6,971.4289?

In Exercises 13-20, write the given decimal number in expanded form.

13. 46.139 17. 14.829

14. 68.392 18. 45.913
15. 643.19 19. 658.71
16. 815.64 20. 619.38

In Exercises 21-28, follow the procedure shown in Examples 1 and 2 to write the decimal number
in expanded form, then combine the whole number part and sum the fractional part over a common
denominator.

21. 32.187 25. 596.71

22. 35.491 26. 754.23
23. 36.754 27. 527.49
24. 89.357 28. 496.15
 354 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

In Exercises 29-40, pronounce the given decimal number. Write your answer out in words.

29. 0.9837 35. 83.427

30. 0.6879 36. 32.759
31. 0.2653 37. 63.729
32. 0.8934 38. 85.327
33. 925.47 39. 826.57
34. 974.35 40. 384.72

In Exercises 41-52, convert the given decimal to a mixed fraction. Do not simplify your answer.

41. 98.1 47. 560.453

42. 625.591 48. 710.9
43. 781.7 49. 414.939
44. 219.999 50. 120.58
45. 915.239 51. 446.73
46. 676.037 52. 653.877

In Exercises 53-60, convert the given decimal to an improper fraction. Do not simplify your answer.

53. 8.7 57. 2.133

54. 3.1 58. 2.893
55. 5.47 59. 3.9
56. 5.27 60. 1.271

In Exercises 61-68, convert the given decimal to a fraction. Reduce your answer to lowest terms.

61. 0.35 65. 0.98

62. 0.38 66. 0.88
63. 0.06 67. 0.72
64. 0.84 68. 0.78
 5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 355

69. Round 79.369 to the nearest hundredth. 75. Round 89.3033 to the nearest thousandth.
70. Round 54.797 to the nearest hundredth. 76. Round 9.0052 to the nearest thousandth.
71. Round 71.2427 to the nearest thousandth. 77. Round 20.655 to the nearest tenth.
72. Round 59.2125 to the nearest thousandth. 78. Round 53.967 to the nearest tenth.
73. Round 29.379 to the nearest tenth. 79. Round 19.854 to the nearest hundredth.
74. Round 42.841 to the nearest tenth. 80. Round 49.397 to the nearest hundredth.

In Exercises 81-92, determine which of the two given statements is true.

81. 87.
0.30387617 < 0.3036562 18.62192 < 18.6293549
or or
0.30387617 > 0.3036562 18.62192 > 18.6293549
82. 88.
8.5934 < 8.554 514.873553 < 514.86374
or or
8.5934 > 8.554 514.873553 > 514.86374
83. 89.
−0.034 < −0.040493 36.8298 < 36.8266595
or or
−0.034 > −0.040493 36.8298 > 36.8266595
84. 90.
−0.081284 < −0.08118 0.000681 < 0.00043174
or or
−0.081284 > −0.08118 0.000681 > 0.00043174
85. 91.
−8.3527 < −8.36553 −15.188392 < −15.187157
or or
−8.3527 > −8.36553 −15.188392 > −15.187157
86. 92.
−0.00786 < −0.0051385 −0.049785 < −0.012916
or or
−0.00786 > −0.0051385 −0.049785 > −0.012916
 356 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

93. Write the decimal number in words.

i) A recently discovered 7.03-carat blue diamond auctioned at Sotheby’s.
ii) The newly launched European Planck telescope will stay in orbit 1.75 years measuring radiation
from the Big Bang.
iii) The sun composes 0.9985 of the mass in our solar system.
iv) Clay particles are small - only 0.0001 inch.

94. Light speed. The index of refraction for a given material is a value representing the number
of times slower a light wave travels in that particular material than it travels in the vacuum of
space.
i) Reorder the materials by their index of refraction from lowest to highest.
ii) How many times slower is a lightwave in a diamond compared with a vacuum?
Material Index of Refraction
Diamond 2.417
Vacuum 1.0000
Plexiglas 1.51
Air 1.0003
Water 1.333
Zircon 1.923
Crown Glass 1.52
Ice 1.31

95. Shorter day? Scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory calculated that the earthquake
in Chile may have shortened the length of a day on Earth by 1.26 millionths of a second.
i) Write that number completely as a decimal.
ii) Actual observations of the length of the day are accurate to five millionths of a second. Write
this fraction as a decimal.
iii) Comparing the two decimals above and determine which is smaller. Do you think scientists
can observe and measure the calculated slowing of the earth?

❧ ❧ ❧ Answers ❧ ❧ ❧

1. 0 9. 1

3. 2 11. 3
1 3 9
5. 7 13. 40 + 6 + 10 + 100 + 1000

1 9
7. 4 15. 600 + 40 + 3 + 10 + 100
 5.1. INTRODUCTION TO DECIMALS 357

8 2 9 87
17. 10 + 4 + 10 + 100 + 1000 53.
10
7 1
19. 600 + 50 + 8 + 10 + 100 547
55.
21. 32 + 187 100
1000

754
2133
23. 36 + 57.
1000 1000
71
25. 596 + 100 39
59.
10
49
27. 527 + 100
7
61.
29. nine thousand eight hundred thirty-seven 20
ten-thousandths
3
63.
31. two thousand six hundred fifty-three ten- 50
thousandths
49
65.
33. nine hundred twenty-five and forty-seven 50
hundredths 18
67.
25
35. eighty-three and four hundred twenty-
seven thousandths 69. 79.37

37. sixty-three and seven hundred twenty-nine 71. 71.243

thousandths
73. 29.4
39. eight hundred twenty-six and fifty-seven
hundredths 75. 89.303
1
41. 98 77. 20.7
10
7 79. 19.85
43. 781
10
81. 0.30387617 > 0.3036562
239
45. 915
1000 83. −0.034 > −0.040493
453
47. 560 85. −8.3527 > −8.36553
1000
939 87. 18.62192 < 18.6293549
49. 414
1000
89. 36.8298 > 36.8266595
73
51. 446
100 91. −15.188392 < −15.187157
 358 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

93. i) seven and three hundredths 95. i) 0.00000126

ii) one and seventy-five hundredths ii) 0.000005
iii) nine thousand nine hundred eighty- iii) 0.00000126 < 0.000005; scientists
five ten-thousandths would be unable to measure the cal-
culated change in the length of a
iv) one ten-thousandth of an inch day.
5.2. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING DECIMALS 359

5.2 Adding and Subtracting Decimals

Adding Decimals
Addition of decimal numbers is quite similar to addition of whole numbers. For
example, suppose that we are asked to add 2.34 and 5.25. We could change
these decimal numbers to mixed fractions and add.
34 25
2.34 + 5.25 = 2 +5
100 100
59
=7
100
However, we can also line the decimal numbers on their decimal points and
add vertically, as follows.
2.34
+ 5.25
7.59
Note that this alignment procedure produces the same result, “seven and fifty
nine hundredths.” This motivates the following procedure for adding decimal
numbers.

Adding Decimals. To add decimal numbers, proceed as follows:

1. Place the numbers to be added in vertical format, aligning the decimal
points.
2. Add the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
3. Place the decimal point in the answer in the same column as the decimal
points above it.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 1. Add 3.125 and 4.814. Add: 2.864 + 3.029

Solution. Place the numbers in vertical format, aligning on their decimal
points. Add, then place the decimal point in the answer in the same column
as the decimal points that appear above the answer.

3.125
+ 4.814
7.939

Thus, 3.125 + 4.814 = 7.939. Answer: 5.893


 360 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

You Try It!

Alice has $8.63 in her purse EXAMPLE 2. Jane has $4.35 in her purse. Jim has $5.62 in his wallet. If
and Joanna has $2.29. If they sum their money, what is the total?
they combine sum their
Solution. Arrange the numbers in vertical format, aligning decimal points,
money, what is the total?
then add.
$4.35
+ $5.62
$9.97

Answer: $10.91 Together they have $9.97, nine dollars and ninety seven cents.


Before looking at another example, let’s recall an important observation.

Important Observation. Adding zeros to the end of the fractional part of

a decimal number does not change its value. Similarly, deleting trailing zeros
from the end of a decimal number does not change its value.

For example, we could add two zeros to the end of the fractional part of 7.25
to obtain 7.2500. The numbers 7.25 and 7.2500 are identical as the following
argument shows:
2500
7.2500 = 7
10000
25
=7
100
= 7.25

You Try It!

Add: 9.7 + 15.86 EXAMPLE 3. Add 7.5 and 12.23.

Solution. Arrange the numbers in vertical format, aligning their decimal
points in a column. Note that we add a trailing zero to improve columnar
alignment.
7.50
+ 12.23
19.73

Answer: 25.56 Hence, 7.5 + 12.23 = 19.73.


5.2. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING DECIMALS 361

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 4. Find the sum: 12.2 + 8.352 + 22.44. Add: 12.9 + 4.286 + 33.97
Solution. Arrange the numbers in vertical format, aligning their decimal
points in a column. Note that we add trailing zeros to improve the columnar
alignment.
12.200
8.352
+ 22.440
42.992

Hence, 12.2 + 8.352 + 22.44 = 42.992. Answer: 51.156



Subtracting Decimals
Subtraction of decimal numbers proceeds in much the same way as addition of
decimal numbers.

Subtracting Decimals. To subtract decimal numbers, proceed as follows:

1. Place the numbers to be subtracted in vertical format, aligning the deci-
mal points.
2. Subtract the numbers as if they were whole numbers.
3. Place the decimal point in the answer in the same column as the decimal
points above it.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 5. Subtract 12.23 from 33.57. Subtract: 58.76 − 38.95

Solution. Arrange the numbers in vertical format, aligning their decimal
points in a column, then subtract. Note that we subtract 12.23 from 33.57.
33.57
− 12.23
21.34

Hence, 33.57 − 12.23 = 21.34. Asnwer: 19.81



As with addition, we add trailing zeros to the fractional part of the decimal
numbers to help columnar alignment.
 362 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

You Try It!

Subtract: 15.2 − 8.756 EXAMPLE 6. Find the difference: 13.3 − 8.572.

Solution. Arrange the numbers in vertical format, aligning their decimal
points in a column. Note that we add trailing zeros to the fractional part of
13.3 to improve columnar alignment.
13.300
− 8.572
4.728
Answer: 6.444 Hence, 13.3 − 8.572 = 4.728.


Adding and Subtracting Signed Decimal Numbers

We use the same rules for addition of signed decimal numbers as we did for the
addition of integers.

Adding Two Decimals with Like Signs. To add two decimals with like
signs, proceed as follows:
1. Add the magnitudes of the decimal numbers.

2. Prefix the common sign.

You Try It!

Simplify: −5.7 + (−83.85) EXAMPLE 7. Simplify: −3.2 + (−18.95).

Solution. To add like signs, first add the magnitudes.
3.20
+ 18.95
22.15
Answer: −89.55 Prefix the common sign. Hence, −3.2 + (−18.95) = −22.15


We use the same rule as we did for integers when adding decimals with
unlike signs.

Adding Two Decimals with Unlike Signs. To add two decimals with
unlike signs, proceed as follows:
5.2. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING DECIMALS 363

1. Subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger magnitude.

2. Prefix the sign of the decimal number with the larger magnitude.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 8. Simplify: −3 + 2.24. Simplify: −8 + 5.74

Solution. To add unlike signs, first subtract the smaller magnitude from the
larger magnitude.
3.00
− 2.24
0.76
Prefix the sign of the decimal number with the larger magnitude. Hence,
−3 + 2.24 = −0.76. Answer: −2.26

Subtraction still means add the opposite.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 9. Simplify: −8.567 − (−12.3). Simplify: −2.384 − (−15.2)

Solution. Subtraction must first be changed to addition by adding the oppo-
site.
−8.567 − (−12.3) = −8.567 + 12.3
We have unlike signs. First, subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger
magnitude.
12.300
− 8.567
3.733
Prefix the sign of the decimal number with the larger magnitude. Hence:
−8.567 − (−12.3) = −8.567 + 12.3
= 3.733
Answer: 12.816

Order of operations demands that we simplify expressions contained in
parentheses first.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 10. Simplify: −11.2 − (−8.45 + 2.7). Simplify:

Solution. We need to add inside the parentheses first. Because we have unlike −12.8 − (−7.44 + 3.7)
signs, subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger magnitude.
 364 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

8.45
− 2.70
5.75
Prefix the sign of the number with the larger magnitude. Therefore,

−11.2 − (−8.45 + 2.7) = −11.2 − (−5.75)

Subtraction means add the opposite.

−11.2 − (−5.75) = −11.2 + 5.75

Again, we have unlike signs. Subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger
magnitude.
11.20
− 5.75
5.45
Prefix the sign of the number with the large magnitude.

−11.2 + 5.75 = −5.45

Answer: −9.06


Writing Mathematics. The solution to the previous example should be

written as follows:

−11.2 − (−8.45 + 2.7) = −11.2 − (−5.75)

= −11.2 + 5.75
= −5.45

Any scratch work, such as the computations in vertical format in the previous
example, should be done in the margin or on a scratch pad.
5.2. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING DECIMALS 365

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 11. Simplify: −12.3 − | − 4.6 − (−2.84)|. Simplify:

Solution. We simplify the expression inside the absolute value bars first, take −8.6 − | − 5.5 − (−8.32)|
the absolute value of the result, then subtract.

−12.3 − | − 4.6 − (−2.84)|

= −12.3 − | − 4.6 + 2.84| Add the opposite.
= −12.3 − | − 1.76| Add: −4.6 + 2.84 = −1.76.
= −12.3 − 1.76 | − 1.76| = 1.76.
= −12.3 + (−1.76) Add the opposite.
= −14.06 Add: −12.3 + (−1.76) = −14.06.

Answer: −11.42

 366 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

❧ ❧ ❧ Exercises ❧ ❧ ❧

In Exercises 1-12, add the decimals.

1. 31.9 + 84.7 7. 95.57 + 7.88

2. 9.39 + 7.7 8. 18.7 + 7
3. 4 + 97.18 9. 52.671 + 5.97
4. 2.645 + 2.444 10. 9.696 + 28.2
5. 4 + 87.502 11. 4.76 + 2.1
6. 23.69 + 97.8 12. 1.5 + 46.4

In Exercises 13-24, subtract the decimals.

13. 9 − 2.261 19. 60.575 − 6

14. 98.14 − 7.27 20. 8.91 − 2.68
15. 80.9 − 6 21. 39.8 − 4.5
16. 9.126 − 6 22. 8.210 − 3.7
17. 55.672 − 3.3 23. 8.1 − 2.12
18. 4.717 − 1.637 24. 7.675 − 1.1

In Exercises 25-64, add or subtract the decimals, as indicated.

25. −19.13 − 7 35. −43.3 + 2.2

26. −8 − 79.8 36. 0.08 + (−2.33)
27. 6.08 − 76.8 37. 0.19 − 0.7
28. 5.76 − 36.8 38. 9 − 18.01
29. −34.7 + (−56.214) 39. −7 − 1.504
30. −7.5 + (−7.11) 40. −4.28 − 2.6
31. 8.4 + (−6.757) 41. −4.47 + (−2)
32. −1.94 + 72.85 42. −9 + (−43.67)
33. −50.4 + 7.6 43. 71.72 − (−6)
34. 1.4 + (−86.9) 44. 6 − (−8.4)
 5.2. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING DECIMALS 367

45. −9.829 − (−17.33) 55. −6.32 + (−48.663)

46. −95.23 − (−71.7) 56. −8.8 + (−34.27)
47. 2.001 − 4.202 57. −8 − (−3.686)
48. 4 − 11.421 58. −2.263 − (−72.3)
49. 2.6 − 2.99 59. 9.365 + (−5)
50. 3.57 − 84.21 60. −0.12 + 6.973
51. −4.560 − 2.335 61. 2.762 − (−7.3)
52. −4.95 − 96.89 62. 65.079 − (−52.6)
53. −54.3 − 3.97 63. −96.1 + (−9.65)
54. −2 − 29.285 64. −1.067 + (−4.4)

In Exercises 65-80, simplify the given expression.

65. −12.05 − |17.83 − (−17.16)| 73. −1.7 − (1.9 − (−16.25))

66. 15.88 − | − 5.22 − (−19.94)| 74. −4.06 − (4.4 − (−10.04))
67. −6.4 + |9.38 − (−9.39)| 75. 1.2 + |8.74 − 16.5|
68. −16.74 + |16.64 − 2.6| 76. 18.4 + |16.5 − 7.6|
69. −19.1 − (1.51 − (−17.35)) 77. −12.4 − |3.81 − 16.4|
70. 17.98 − (10.07 − (−10.1)) 78. 13.65 − |11.55 − (−4.44)|
71. 11.55 + (6.3 − (−1.9)) 79. −11.15 + (11.6 − (−16.68))
72. −8.14 + (16.6 − (−15.41)) 80. 8.5 + (3.9 − 6.98)

81. Big Banks. Market capitalization of nation’s four largest banks (as of April 23, 2009 )
JPMorgan Chase & Co $124.8 billion
Wells Fargo & Co. $85.3 billion
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. $61.8 billion
Bank of America $56.4 billion
What is the total value of the nation’s four largest banks? Associated Press Times-Standard
4/22/09

82. Telescope Mirror. The newly launched Herschel Telescope has a mirror 11.5 feet in diameter
while Hubble’s mirror is 7.9 feet in diameter. How much larger is Herschel’s mirror in diameter
than Hubble’s?
 368 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

83. Average Temperature. The average temperatures in Sacramento, California in July are a high
daytime temperature of 93.8 degrees Fahrenheit and a low nighttime temperature of 60.9 degrees
Fahrenheit. What is the change in temperature from day to night? Hint: See Section 2.3 for the
formula for comparing temperatures.

84. Average Temperature. The average temperatures in Redding, California in July are a high
daytime temperature of 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit and a low nighttime temperature of 64.9 degrees
Fahrenheit. What is the change in temperature from day to night? Hint: See Section 2.3 for the
formula for comparing temperatures.

85. Net Worth. Net worth is defined as assets minus liabilities. Assets are everything of value that
can be converted to cash while liabilities are the total of debts. General Growth Properties, the
owners of the Bayshore Mall, have $29.6 billion in assets and $27 billion in liabilities, and have gone
bankrupt. What was General Growth Properties net worth before bankruptcy? Times-Standard
4/17/2009

86. Grape crush. The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s preliminary grape crush
report shows that the state produced 3.69 million tons of wine grapes in 2009. That’s just shy of
the record 2005 crush of 3.76 million tons. By how many tons short of the record was the crush
of 2009? Associated Press-Times-Standard Calif. winegrapes harvest jumped 23% in ’09.

87. Turnover. The Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey claims that
employers hired about 4.08 million people in January 2010 while 4.12 million people were fired
or otherwise left their jobs. How many more people lost jobs than were hired? Convert your
answer to a whole number. Associated Press-Times-Standard 03/10/10 Job openings up sharply
in January to 2.7M.

❧ ❧ ❧ Answers ❧ ❧ ❧

1. 116.6 17. 52.372

3. 101.18 19. 54.575

21. 35.3
5. 91.502
23. 5.98
7. 103.45
25. −26.13
9. 58.641
27. −70.72
11. 6.86
29. −90.914
13. 6.739 31. 1.643

15. 74.9 33. −42.8

 5.2. ADDING AND SUBTRACTING DECIMALS 369

35. −41.1 63. −105.75

37. −0.51 65. −47.04

39. −8.504 67. 12.37

41. −6.47
69. −37.96
43. 77.72
71. 19.75
45. 7.501
73. −19.85
47. −2.201
75. 8.96
49. −0.39
77. −24.99
51. −6.895
79. 17.13
53. −58.27
81. $328.3 billion
55. −54.983

57. −4.314 83. −32.9 degrees Fahrenheit

59. 4.365 85. $2.6 billion

61. 10.062 87. 40, 000

 370 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

5.3 Multiplying Decimals

Multiplying decimal numbers involves two steps: (1) multiplying the numbers
as whole numbers, ignoring the decimal point, and (2) placing the decimal
point in the correct position in the product or answer.
For example, consider (0.7)(0.08), which asks us to find the product of
“seven tenths” and “eight hundredths.” We could change these decimal num-
bers to fractions, then multiply.

7 8
(0.7)(0.08) = ·
10 100
56
=
1000
= 0.056

The product is 56/1000, or “fifty six thousandths,” which as a decimal is written

0.056.

Important Observations. There are two very important observations to be

made about the example (0.7)(0.08).

1. In fractional form
7 8 56
· = ,
10 100 1000

note that the numerator of the product is found by taking the product
of the whole numbers 7 and 8. That is, you ignore the decimal points in
0.7 and 0.08 and multiply 7 and 8 as if they were whole numbers.

2. The first factor, 0.7, has one digit to the right of the decimal point.
Its fractional equivalent, 7/10, has one zero in its denominator. The
second factor, 0.08, has two digits to the right of the decimal point. Its
fractional equivalent, 8/100, has two zeros in its denominator. Therefore,
the product 56/1000 is forced to have three zeros in its denominator and
its decimal equivalent, 0.056, must therefore have three digits to the right
of the decimal point.

Let’s look at another example.

You Try It!

Multiply: (1.86)(9.5) EXAMPLE 1. Simplify: (2.34)(1.2).

5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 371

Solution. Change the decimal numbers “two and thirty four hundredths” and
“one and two tenths” to fractions, then multiply.
34 2
(2.34)(1.2) = 2 ·1 Change decimals to fractions.
100 10
234 12
= · Change mixed to improper fractions.
100 10
2808
= Multiply numerators and denominators.
1000
808
=2 Change to mixed fraction.
1000
= 2.808 Change back to decimal form.

Answer: 17.67


Important Observations. We make the same two observations as in the

previous example.
1. If we treat the decimal numbers as whole numbers without decimal points,
then (234)(12) = 2808, which is the numerator of the fraction 2808/1000
in the solution shown in Example 1. These are also the same digits shown
in the answer 2.808.
2. There are two digits to the right of the decimal point in the first factor
2.34 and one digit to the right of the decimal point in the second factor
1.2. This is a total of three digits to the right of the decimal points in
the factors, which is precisely the same number of digits that appear to
the right of the decimal point in the answer 2.808.
The observations made at the end of the previous two examples lead us to
the following method.

Multiplying Decimal Numbers. To multiply two decimal numbers, perform

the following steps:
1. Ignore the decimal points in the factors and multiply the two factors as
if they were whole numbers.
2. Count the number of digits to the right of the decimal point in each
factor. Sum these two numbers.
3. Place the decimal point in the product so that the number of digits to
the right of the decimal point equals the sum found in step 2.
 372 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

You Try It!

Multiply: (5.98)(3.7) EXAMPLE 2. Use the steps outlined in Multiplying Decimal Numbers to
find the product in Example 1.
Solution. We follow the steps outlined in Multiplying Decimal Numbers.

1. The first step is to multiply the factors 2.34 and 1.2 as whole numbers,
ignoring the decimal points.

234
× 12
468
234
2808

2. The second step is to find the sum of the number of digits to the right
of the decimal points in each factor. Note that 2.34 has two digits to
the right of the decimal point, while 1.2 has one digit to the right of the
decimal point. Thus, we have a total of three digits to the right of the
decimal points in the factors.
3. The third and final step is to place the decimal point in the product or
answer so that there are a total of three digits to the right of the decimal
point. Thus,

(2.34)(1.2) = 2.808.

Note that this is precisely the same solution found in Example 1.

What follows is a convenient way to arrange your work in vertical format.

2.34
× 1.2
468
2 34
2.808

Answer: 22.126


You Try It!

Multiply: (9.582)(8.6) EXAMPLE 3. Simplify: (8.235)(2.3).

Solution. We use the convenient vertical format introduced at the end of
Example 2.
5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 373

8.235
× 2.3
2 4705
16 470
18.9405

The factor 8.235 has three digits to the right of the decimal point; the factor
2.3 has one digit to the right of the decimal point. Therefore, there must be a
total of four digits to the right of the decimal point in the product or answer. Answer: 82.4052


Multiplying Signed Decimal Numbers

The rules governing multiplication of signed decimal numbers are identical to
the rules governing multiplication of integers.

Like Signs. The product of two decimal numbers with like signs is positive.
That is:
(+)(+) = + and (−)(−) = +
Unike Signs. The product of two decimal numbers with unlike signs is nega-
tive. That is:
(+)(−) = − and (−)(+) = −

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 4. Simplify: (−2.22)(−1.23). Multiply: (−3.86)(−5.77)

Solution. Ignore the signs to do the multiplication on the left, then consider
the signs in the final answer on the right.

As each factor has two digits to the Like signs give a positive product.
right of the decimal point, there Hence:
should be a total of 4 decimals to
the right of the decimal point in the (−2.22)(−1.23) = 1.6206
product.
2.22
× 1.23
666
444
1 11
1.6206 Answer: 22.2722

 374 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

You Try It!

Multiply: (9.23)(−0.018) EXAMPLE 5. Simplify: (5.68)(−0.012).

Solution. Ignore the signs to do the multiplication on the left, then consider
the signs in the final answer on the right.

The first factor has two digits to Unlike signs give a negative prod-
the right of the decimal point, the uct. Hence:
second factor has three. Therefore,
there must be a total of five digits (5.68)(−0.012) = −0.06816
to the right of the decimal point in
the product or answer. This neces-
sitates prepending an extra zero in
front of our product.
5.68
× 0.012
1136
568
Answer: −0.16614 0.06816


Order of Operations
The same Rules Guiding Order of Operations also apply to decimal numbers.

Rules Guiding Order of Operations. When evaluating expressions, pro-

ceed in the following order.
1. Evaluate expressions contained in grouping symbols first. If grouping
symbols are nested, evaluate the expression in the innermost pair of
grouping symbols first.
2. Evaluate all exponents that appear in the expression.
3. Perform all multiplications and divisions in the order that they appear
in the expression, moving left to right.
4. Perform all additions and subtractions in the order that they appear in
the expression, moving left to right.

You Try It!

If a = 3.8 and b = −4.6, EXAMPLE 6. If a = 3.1 and b = −2.4, evaluate a2 − 3.2b2 .

evaluate the expression:

2.5a2 − b2
5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 375

Solution. Prepare the expression for substitution using parentheses.

2 2
a2 − 3.2b2 = − 3.2

Substitute 3.1 for a and −2.4 for b and simplify.

a2 − 3.2b2 = (3.1)2 − 3.2(−2.4)2 Substitute: 3.1 for a, −2.4 for b.

= 9.61 − 3.2(5.76) Exponents first: (3.1)2 = 9.61, (−2.4)2 = 5.76
= 9.61 − 18.432 Multiply: 3.2(5.76) = 18.432
= −8.822 Subtract: 9.61 − 18.432 = −8.822

Answer: 14.94


Powers of Ten
Consider:

101 = 10
102 = 10 · 10 = 100
103 = 10 · 10 · 10 = 1, 000
104 = 10 · 10 · 10 · 10 = 10, 000

Note the answer for 104 , a one followed by four zeros! Do you see the pattern?

Powers of Ten. In the expression 10n , the exponent matches the number of
zeros in the answer. Hence, 10n will be a 1 followed by n zeros.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 7. Simplify: 109 . Simplify: 106

Solution. 109 should be a 1 followed by 9 zeros. That is,

109 = 1, 000, 000, 000,

or “one billion.” Answer: 1, 000, 000


 376 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

Multiplying Decimal Numbers by Powers of Ten

Let’s multiply 1.234567 by 103 , or equivalently, by 1,000. Ignore the decimal
point and multiply the numbers as whole numbers.

1.234567
×1000
1234.567000

The sum total of digits to the right of the decimal point in each factor is 6.
Therefore, we place the decimal point in the product so that there are six digits
to the right of the decimal point.
However, the trailing zeros may be removed without changing the value of
the product. That is, 1.234567 times 1000 is 1234.567. Note that the decimal
point in the product is three places further to the right than in the original
factor. This observation leads to the following result.

Multiplying a Decimal Number by a Power of Ten. Multiplying a

decimal number by 10n will move the decimal point n places to the right.

You Try It!

Simplify: 1.234567 · 102 EXAMPLE 8. Simplify: 1.234567 · 104

Solution. Multiplying by 104 (or equivalently, by 10,000) moves the decimal
Answer: 123.4567 4 places to the right. Thus, 1.234567 · 10, 000 = 12345.67.


The Circle
Let’s begin with a definition.

The Circle. A circle is the collection of all points equidistant from a given
point O, called the center of the circle.

O
r

The segment joining any point on the circle to the center of the circle is called
a radius of the circle. In the figure above, the variable r represents the length
of the radius of the circle.
5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 377

We need another term, the diameter of a circle.

The Diameter of a Circle. If two points on a circle are connected with a

line segment, then that segment is called a chord of the circle. If the chord
passes through the center of the circle, then the chord is called the diameter
of the circle.

In the figure above, the variable d represents the length of the diameter of the
circle. Note that the diameter is twice the length of the radius; in symbols,

d = 2r.

The Circumference of a Circle

When we work with polygons, the perimeter of the polygon is found by sum-
ming the lengths of its edges. The circle uses a different name for its perimeter.

The Circumference of a Circle. The length of the circle is called its cir-
cumference. We usually use the variable C to denote the circumference of a
circle.

That is, if one were to walk along the circle, the total distance traveled in one
revolution is the circumference of the circle.
The ancient mathematicians of Egypt and Greece noted a striking relation
between the circumference of a circle and its diameter. They discovered that
whenever you divide a circle’s circumference by its diameter, you get a constant.
That is, if you take a very large circle and divide its circumference by its
diameter, you get exactly the same number if you take a very small circle and
divide its circumference by its diameter. This common constant was named π
(“pi”).

Relating the Circumference and Diameter. Whenever a circle’s circum-

ference is divided by its diameter, the answer is the constant π. That is, if C
is the circumference of the circle and d is the circle’s diameter, then
C
= π.
d
In modern times, we usually multiply both sides of this equation by d to obtain
the formula for the circumference of a circle.

C = πd
 378 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

Because the diameter of a circle is twice the length of its radius, we can substi-
tute d = 2r in the last equation to get an alternate form of the circumference
equation.
C = π(2r) = 2πr

The number π has a rich and storied history. Ancient geometers from
Egypt, Babylonia, India, and Greece knew that π was slightly larger than 3.
The earliest known approximations date from around 1900 BC (Wikipedia);
they are 25/8 (Babylonia) and 256/81 (Egypt). The Indian text Shatapatha
Brahmana gives π as 339/108 ≈ 3.139. Archimedes (287-212 BC) was the
first to estimate π rigorously, approximating the circumference of a circle with
inscribed and circumscribed polygons. He was able to prove that 223/71 <
π < 22/7. Taking the average of these values yields π ≈ 3.1419. Modern
mathematicians have proved that π is an irrational number, an infinite decimal
that never repeats any pattern. Mathematicians, with the help of computers,
routinely produce approximations of π with billions of digits after the decimal
point.

Digits of Pi. Here is π, correct to the first fifty digits.

π = 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510 . . .

The number of digits of π used depends on the application. Working at

very small scales, one might keep many digits of π, but if you are building a
circular garden fence in your backyard, then fewer digits of π are needed.

You Try It!

Find the radius of a circle EXAMPLE 9. Find the circumference of a circle given its radius is 12 feet.
having radius 14 inches. Use
Solution. The circumference of the circle is given by the formula C = πd, or,
π ≈ 3.14
because d = 2r,
C = 2πr.
Substitute 12 for r.
C = 2πr = 2π(12) = 24π
Therefore, the circumference of the circle is exactly C = 24π feet.
We can approximate the circumference by entering an approximation for π.
Let’s use π ≈ 3.14. Note: The symbol ≈ is read “approximately equal to.”

C = 24π ≈ 24(3.14) ≈ 75.36 feet

It is important to understand that the solution C = 24π feet is the exact

Answer: 87.92 inches circumference, while C ≈ 75.36 feet is only an approximation.

5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 379

The Area of a Circle

Here’s a reasonable argument used to help develop a formula for the area of
a circle. Start with a circle of radius r and divide it into 8 equal wedges, as
shown in the figure that follows.

Rearrange the pieces as shown in the following figure.

πr
Note that the rearranged pieces almost form a rectangle with length approx-
imately half the circumference of the circle, πr, and width approximately r.
The area would be approximately A ≈ (length)(width) ≈ (πr)(r) ≈ πr2 . This
approximation would be even better if we doubled the number of wedges of the
circle.

πr
If we doubled the number of wedges again, the resulting figure would even
more closely resemble a rectangle with length πr and width r. This leads to
the following conclusion.

The Area of a Circle. The area of a circle of radius r is given by the formula

A = πr2 .

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 10. Find the area of a circle having a diameter of 12.5 meters. Find the area of a circle
Use 3.14 for π and round the answer for the area to the nearest tenth of a having radius 12.2
square meter. centimeters. Use π ≈ 3.14
Solution. The diameter is twice the radius.

d = 2r
 380 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

Substitute 12.5 for d and solve for r.

12.5 = 2r Substitute 12.5 for d.

12.5 2r
= Divide both sides by 2.
2 2
6.25 = r Simiplify.

Hence, the radius is 6.25 meters. To find the area, use the formula

A = πr2

and substutite: 3.14 for π and 6.25 for r.

A = (3.14)(6.25)2 Substitute: 3.14 for π, 6.25 for r.

= (3.14)(39.0625) Square first: (6.25)2 = 39.0625.
= 122.65625 Multiply: (3.14)(39.0625) = 122.65625.

Hence, the approximate area of the circle is A = 122.65625 square meters. To

round to the nearest tenth of a square meter, identify the rounding digit and
the test digit.

Test digit

122. 6 5 625

Rounding digit

Because the test digit is greater than or equal to 5, add 1 to the rounding digit
and truncate. Thus, correct to the nearest tenth of a square meter, the area of
the circle is approximately
A ≈ 122.7 m2 .
Answer: 467.3576 cm2

 5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 381

❧ ❧ ❧ Exercises ❧ ❧ ❧

In Exercises 1-28, multiply the decimals.

1. (6.7)(0.03) 15. (9.9)(6.7)

2. (2.4)(0.2) 16. (7.2)(6.1)
3. (28.9)(5.9) 17. (19.5)(7.9)
4. (33.5)(2.1) 18. (43.4)(8.9)
5. (4.1)(4.6) 19. (6.9)(0.3)
6. (2.6)(8.2) 20. (7.7)(0.7)
7. (75.3)(0.4) 21. (35.3)(3.81)
8. (21.4)(0.6) 22. (5.44)(9.58)
9. (6.98)(0.9) 23. (2.32)(0.03)
10. (2.11)(0.04) 24. (4.48)(0.08)
11. (57.9)(3.29) 25. (3.02)(6.7)
12. (3.58)(16.3) 26. (1.26)(9.4)
13. (47.3)(0.9) 27. (4.98)(6.2)
14. (30.7)(0.4) 28. (3.53)(2.9)

In Exercises 29-56, multiply the decimals.

29. (−9.41)(0.07) 39. (−39.3)(−0.8)

30. (4.45)(−0.4) 40. (57.7)(−0.04)
31. (−7.4)(−0.9) 41. (63.1)(−0.02)
32. (−6.9)(0.05) 42. (−51.1)(−0.8)
33. (−8.2)(3.7) 43. (−90.8)(3.1)
34. (−7.5)(−6.6) 44. (−74.7)(2.9)
35. (9.72)(−9.1) 45. (47.5)(−82.1)
36. (6.22)(−9.4) 46. (−14.8)(−12.7)
37. (−6.4)(2.6) 47. (−31.1)(−4.8)
38. (2.3)(−4.4) 48. (−28.7)(−6.8)
 382 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

49. (−2.5)(−0.07) 53. (7.81)(−5.5)

50. (−1.3)(−0.05) 54. (−1.94)(4.2)
51. (1.02)(−0.2) 55. (−2.09)(37.9)
52. (−7.48)(−0.1) 56. (20.6)(−15.2)

In Exercises 57-68, multiply the decimal by the given power of 10.

57. 24.264 · 10 63. 37.968 · 103

58. 65.722 · 100 64. 43.552 · 103
59. 53.867 · 104 65. 61.303 · 100
4
60. 23.216 · 10 66. 83.837 · 1000
61. 5.096 · 103 67. 74.896 · 1000
3
62. 60.890 · 10 68. 30.728 · 100

In Exercises 69-80, simplify the given expression.

69. (0.36)(7.4) − (−2.8)2 75. 6.3 − 4.2(9.3)2

70. (−8.88)(−9.2) − (−2.3)2 76. 9.9 − (−4.1)(8.5)2
71. 9.4 − (−7.7)(1.2)2 77. (6.3)(1.88) − (−2.2)2
72. 0.7 − (−8.7)(−9.4)2 78. (−4.98)(−1.7) − 3.52
73. 5.94 − (−1.2)(−1.8)2 79. (−8.1)(9.4) − 1.82
74. −2.6 − (−9.8)(9.9)2 80. (−3.63)(5.2) − 0.82

81. Given a = −6.24, b = 0.4, and c = 7.2, 85. Given a = −3.21, b = 3.5, and c = 8.3,
evaluate the expression a − bc2 . evaluate the expression a − bc2 .
82. Given a = 4.1, b = −1.8, and c = −9.5, 86. Given a = 7.45, b = −6.1, and c = −3.5,
evaluate the expression a − bc2 . evaluate the expression a − bc2 .
83. Given a = −2.4, b = −2.1, and c = −4.6, 87. Given a = −4.5, b = −6.9, and c = 4.6,
evaluate the expression ab − c2 . evaluate the expression ab − c2 .
84. Given a = 3.3, b = 7.3, and c = 3.4, eval- 88. Given a = −8.3, b = 8.2, and c = 5.4,
uate the expression ab − c2 . evaluate the expression ab − c2 .
 5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 383

89. A circle has a diameter of 8.56 inches. Us- 93. A circle has a diameter of 10.75 inches.
ing π ≈ 3.14, find the circumference of Using π ≈ 3.14, find the area of the cir-
the circle, correct to the nearest tenth of cle, correct to the nearest hundredth of a
an inch. square inch.
90. A circle has a diameter of 14.23 inches. 94. A circle has a diameter of 15.49 inches.
Using π ≈ 3.14, find the circumference of Using π ≈ 3.14, find the area of the cir-
the circle, correct to the nearest tenth of cle, correct to the nearest hundredth of a
an inch. square inch.
91. A circle has a diameter of 12.04 inches. 95. A circle has a diameter of 13.96 inches.
Using π ≈ 3.14, find the circumference of Using π ≈ 3.14, find the area of the cir-
the circle, correct to the nearest tenth of cle, correct to the nearest hundredth of a
an inch. square inch.
92. A circle has a diameter of 14.11 inches. 96. A circle has a diameter of 15.95 inches.
Using π ≈ 3.14, find the circumference of Using π ≈ 3.14, find the area of the cir-
the circle, correct to the nearest tenth of cle, correct to the nearest hundredth of a
an inch. square inch.

97. Sue has decided to build a circular fish pond near her patio. She wants it to be 15 feet in diameter
and 1.5 feet deep. What is the volume of water it will hold? Use π ≈ 3.14. Hint: The volume
of a cylinder is given by the formula V = πr2 h, which is the area of the circular base times the
height of the cylinder.

98. John has a decision to make regarding his employment. He currently has a job at Taco Loco in
Fortuna. After taxes, he makes about $9.20 per hour and works about 168 hours a month. He
currently pays $400 per month for rent. He has an opportunity to move to Santa Rosa and take
a job at Mi Ultimo Refugio which would pay $10.30 per hour after taxes for 168 hours a month,
but his rent would cost $570 per month.
a) After paying for housing in Fortuna, how much does he have left over each month for other
expenditures?
b) After paying for housing in Santa Rosa, how much would he have left over each month for
other expenditures?
c) For which job would he have more money left after paying rent and how much would it be?

99. John decided to move to Santa Rosa and take the job at Mi Ultimo Refugio (see Exercise 98). He
was able to increase his income because he could work 4 Sundays a month at time-and-a half. So
now he worked 32 hours a month at time-and-a-half and 136 hours at the regular rate of $10.30
(all after taxes were removed). Note: He previously had worked 168 hours per month at $10.30
per hour.
a) What was his new monthly income?
b) How much did his monthly income increase?
 384 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

100. Electric Bill. On a recent bill, PGE charged $0.11531 per Kwh for the first 333 Kwh of electrical
power used. If a household used 312 Kwh of power, what was their electrical bill?

101. Cabernet. In Napa Valley, one acre of good land can produce about 3.5 tons of quality grapes. At
an average price of $3,414 per ton for premium cabernet, how much money could you generate on
one acre of cabernet farming? Associated Press-Times-Standard 03/11/10 Grape moth threatens
Napa Valley growing method.

102. Fertilizer. Using the 2008 Ohio Farm Custom Rates, the average cost for spreading dry bulk
fertilizer is about $4.50 per acre. What is the cost to fertilize 50 acres?

103. Agribusiness. Huge corporate agribarns house 1000 pigs each.

a) If each pig weighs approximately 100 pounds, how many pounds of pig is in each warehouse?
b) At an average $1.29 per pound, what is the total cash value for a corporate agribarn? Associated
Press-Times-Standard 12/29/09 Pressure rises to stop antibiotics in agriculture.

104. Shipwrecks. A dozen centuries-old shipwrecks were found in the Baltic Sea by a gas company
building an underwater pipeline between Russia and Germany. The 12 wrecks were found in
a 30-mile-long and 1.2-mile-wide corridor at a depth of 430 feet. Model the corridor with a
rectangle and find the approximate area of the region where the ships were found. Associated
Press-Times-Standard 03/10/10 Centuries-old shipwrecks found in Baltic Sea.

105. Radio dish. The diameter of the “workhorse fleet” of radio telescopes, like the one in Goldstone,
California, is 230 feet. What is the circumference of the radio telescope dish to the nearest tenth?
Associated Press-Times-Standard 03/09/2010 NASA will repair deep space antenna in California
desert.

❧ ❧ ❧ Answers ❧ ❧ ❧

1. 0.201 17. 154.05

3. 170.51 19. 2.07

5. 18.86 21. 134.493

7. 30.12 23. 0.0696

9. 6.282 25. 20.234

11. 190.491 27. 30.876

13. 42.57 29. −0.6587

31. 6.66
15. 66.33
 5.3. MULTIPLYING DECIMALS 385

33. −30.34 73. 9.828

35. −88.452 75. −356.958

37. −16.64 77. 7.004

39. 31.44
79. −79.38
41. −1.262
81. −26.976
43. −281.48
83. −16.12
45. −3899.75
85. −244.325
47. 149.28
87. 9.89
49. 0.175
89. 26.9 in.
51. −0.204

53. −42.955 91. 37.8 in.

55. −79.211 93. 90.72 square inches

57. 242.64 95. 152.98 square inches

59. 538670 97. 264.9375 cubic feet

61. 5096 99. a) $1895.20

63. 37968 b) $164.80

65. 6130.3 101. $11, 949

67. 74896 103. a) 100, 000 pounds

69. −5.176 b) $129,000

71. 20.488 105. 722.2 feet

386 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

5.4 Dividing Decimals

In this and following sections we make use of the terms divisor, dividend, quo-
tient, and remainder.

Divisor, Dividend, Quotient, and Remainder. This schematic reminds

readers of the position of these terms in the division process.
quotient
divisor) dividend
...
remainder

Now that these terms are defined, we begin the discussion of division of decimal
numbers.
Suppose that we wish to divide 637 by 100. We could do this in fraction
form, change the result to a mixed fraction, then the mixed fraction to decimal
form.
637 37
=6 = 6.37
100 100
We can also arrange the division much as we would the division of two whole
numbers.
6.37
100)637.00
600
37 0
30 0
7 00
7 00
0
Note that adding two zeros after the decimal point in the dividend does not
change the value of 637. Further, note that we proceed as if we are dividing
two whole numbers, placing the decimal point in the quotient directly above
the decimal point in the dividend.
These observations lead to the following algorithm.

Dividing a Decimal by a Whole Number. To divide a decimal number

by a whole number, proceed as follows:
1. Set up the long division as you would the division of two whole numbers.
2. Perform the division as if the numbers were both whole numbers, adding
zeros to the right of the decimal point in the dividend as necessary to
complete the division.
3. Place the decimal point in the quotient immediately above the decimal
point in the dividend.
5.4. DIVIDING DECIMALS 387

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 1. Divide 23 by 20.

Solution. Arrange as if using long division to divide whole numbers, adding
enough zeros to the right of the decimal point in the dividend to complete the
division.
1.15
20)23.00
20
30
20
1 00
1 00
0
Hence, 23 divided by 20 is 1.15.


Adding Zeros to the Right of the Decimal Point. Usually, one does
not immediately see how many zeros to the right of the decimal point in the
dividend are needed. These zeros are usually added at each step of the division,
until the division is completed or the user is willing to terminate the process
and accept only an estimate of the quotient.

You Try It!

EXAMPLE 2. Divide: 155.2 ÷ 25. Divide: 42.55 ÷ 23

Solution. Arrange as if using long division to divide whole numbers, and
begin.
6.2
25)155.2
150
52
50
2
We still have a nonzero remainder. Adding another zero does no good.
6.20
25)155.20
150
52
50
20
 388 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

However, if we add one more additional zero, the division completes with a
zero remainder.
6.208
25)155.200
150
52
50
200
200
0

Answer: 1.85 Thus, 155.2 divided by 25 is 6.208.



Decimal Divisors
When the divisor contains a decimal point, we have a little work to do before
we begin the division process. Suppose that we wish to divide 1.25 by 2.5. In
fraction form, we could start with
1.25
,
2.5
then clear the decimals from the denominator by multiplying both numerator
and denominator by 10. Note: Recall that multiplying by 10 moves the decimal
point one place to the right.
1.25 1.25 · 10
=
2.5 2.5 · 10
12.5
=
25
Thus, dividing 1.25 by 2.5 is equivalent to dividing 12.5 by 25. This we know
how to do.
0.5
25)12.5
12 5
0
Thus, 1.25 divided by 2.5 is 0.5.

Writing Mathematics. Never write .5. Always add the leading zero in the
ones place and write 0.5.

Instead of working in fraction form, we can take care of positioning the

decimal point in the long division framework. Start with:
5.4. DIVIDING DECIMALS 389

2.5)1.25
Move the decimal point in the divisor to the end of the divisor, then move the
decimal point in the dividend an equal number of places.

2.5 )1.2 5
Thus, the division becomes

25)12.5
and we proceed as above to find the quotient.
This discussion motivates the following algorithm.

Dividing by a Decimal Divisor. If the divisor contains a decimal, proceed

as follows:
1. Move the decimal to the end of the divisor.
2. Move the decimal in the dividend an equal number of places.

We can then complete the division using the rules for dividing a decimal by a
whole number.
You Try It!

EXAMPLE 3. Divide: 0.36)4.392 Divide: 0.45)36.99

Solution. Move the decimal in the divisor to the end of the divisor. Move the
decimal in the dividend an equal number of places (two places) to the right.

0.36 )4.39 2

Now we can follow the algorithm for dividing a decimal number by a whole
number.
12.2
36)439.2
36
79
72
72
72
0
 390 CHAPTER 5. DECIMALS

Answer: 82.2 Thus, 4.392 divided by 0.36 is 12.2.



Dividing Signed Decimal Numbers

The rules governing division of signed decimal numbers are identical to the
rules governing division of integers.

Like Signs. The quotient of two decimal numbers with like signs is positive.
That is:
(+) (−)
=+ and =+
(+) (−)
Unlike Signs. The quotient of two decimal numbers with unlike signs is
negative. That is:
(+) (−)
=− and =−
(−) (+)

You Try It!

Divide: −0.0113 ÷ 0.05 EXAMPLE 4. Divide: −0.03 ÷ 0.024.

Solution. First, divide the magnitudes. Move the decimal in the divisor to
the end of the divisor. Move the decimal in the dividend an equal number of
places (three places) to the right. Note that this requires an extra trailing zero
in the dividend.

0.024 )0.030

Our problem then becomes:

24)30
We can now follow the algorithm for dividing a decimal number by a whole
number. Note that we have to add two trailing zeros in the dividend to complete
the division with a zero remainder.
1.25
24)30.00
24
60
48
1 20
1 20
0