Melody: Hi Stu,
I don't quite know where to start and i don't have a lot of time right now.
but
1/2 * 1/3 = (1*1)/(2*3) => 1/6
It is easier to see if the fractions are written upright.
When multiplying fractions multiply straight across the top, then multiply straight across the bottom.
A whole number can be written as a fraction by putting it over 1 so 3=3/1, 2x = (2x)/1 etc.
>>>
^knew
1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6
Again it is much better (but much more time consuming for me, in the forum) if you write the fractions upright.
Before you can add fractions you have to get a common denominator, preferably the lowest one.
The multiples of 2 are 2,4,6,8,
The multiples of 3 are 3,6,9,12,...
The lowest common one is 6.
>>>>
in bold probably where i am making my errors which was oversight and from little maths exposure, even overlooking it in maths is fun/where it is to be applied.
Now, when you are getting rid of negative indices you only swap the thing with the negative indice to the other side of the fraction line. NOT everything.
3/4-2 = 3 * 42 all over 1 if you like = 48
perhaps you are confusing it with
(3/4)-2 => (4/3)2 => 16/9 => 1 and 7/9
>>>
Just working as shown by the nuclear physicist and correct according to answer sheet as a simplify. Maybe just a part of the entire process so you're right too is my guess.
Oh, dividing by a fraction.
When you divide by a fraction, you multiply by its reciprocal.
In other words, you turn the second one upside down and change the divide to a multiply.
^haven't had to apply, surely it can simplify some situations and I will need to learn.
You may need to work through some mathsisfun units on fractions I think Stu.
Anyway, I hope that this is a good start to helping you out.