Understanding 2 Divided By -2/3

Introduction

When it comes to math, division is one of the basic operations that we use to solve problems. However, not all division problems are straightforward. One example is 2 divided by -2/3. In this article, we will discuss how to solve this problem step by step and explain the concept behind it.

What is Division?

Before we dive into the problem, let’s first review what division is. Division is the process of splitting a quantity into equal parts. For example, if we have 10 apples and we want to divide them into 2 equal groups, we would have 5 apples in each group.

Step 1: Convert the Fraction

In the problem 2 divided by -2/3, the first step is to convert the fraction (-2/3) into a whole number. To do this, we need to remember that dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So, we can rewrite the problem as 2 multiplied by -3/2.

Step 2: Solve the Problem

Now that we have simplified the problem, we can solve it. Multiplying 2 by -3/2 gives us -3. So, 2 divided by -2/3 is equal to -3.

The Concept Behind the Solution

Now that we have solved the problem, let’s discuss the concept behind it. When we divide a positive number by a negative number, the result is always negative. This is because division is the opposite of multiplication, and when we multiply two numbers with opposite signs, the result is always negative.

Example

For example, if we have 6 divided by -2, the result is -3. This is because 6 multiplied by -2 is -12, and -12 divided by -2 is 6.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2 divided by -2/3 may seem like a tricky problem, but it can be solved by converting the fraction to a whole number and then multiplying. Remembering the concept behind the solution can also help us understand why the result is negative. With practice, we can become more comfortable with solving these types of problems and improve our math skills.