basic algebra: division of fractions: 2/x/y

cath1979

New member
Joined
Nov 14, 2006
Messages
2
Hi there
i have just started maths/algebra for my accounting degree..its been a long time between classes...say 10 years
One question i am stuck on is the division of fractions?

question:
2
x
y

any help on solving this problem
cheers
 
Do you mean 2/(x/y)? Or (2/x)/y? Or something else?

What are the instructions? Were you given values for the variables, and you're supposed to evaluate? Are you supposed to simplify? Or something else?

When you reply, please show all of the steps you have tried so far. Thank you.

Eliz.
 
Its 2 divide x divide Y
i have been asked to simplify..but i think i have it

2/xy
cheers
:lol:
 
cath1979 said:
Its 2 divide x divide Y
Unfortunately, this is ambiguous. A fraction is "(this) divided by (that)", not "(this) divided by (that) divided by (the other)". You can divide by a fraction -- 2 / (x/y) -- or divide a fraction by something -- (2/x) / y< but "2/x/y" has no fixed meaning.

If you mean (2/x) / y, then your answer is correct. Otherwise, not. But I'm afraid it isn't possible to give an absolute, given the information available to this point. Sorry. :oops:

Eliz.
 
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