Identify the divisor, dividend and quotient in the given word problem. For example, if a baker has 7 1/2 lbs. of flour, and each cake requires 1/2 lb., how many cakes can the baker make? Here the dividend is 7 1/2, the divisor 1/2. Solve to find the quotient -- the solution is the number of cakes.
Set up your equation: (7 1/2) / (1/2 ) = q and solve for q. Convert any mixed numbers, such as (7 1/2) into fractions (multiply 7 x 2 and then add 1/2, which results in 15/2). Solve the equation: (15 / 2) / (1 / 2), remembering how fractions are divided: the divisor is flipped, and then the fractions are multiplied: (15 / 2 ) x ( 2 / 1).
Simplify the equation, if possible. (15 / 2) x (2 / 1) can be simplified, as the 2 in the denominator of the first fraction and the 2 in the numerator of the second fraction cancel each other out, leaving: (15 / 1) x (1 / 1). Multiply and find the value for q: here q = 15 and the baker can make 15 cakes with 7 1/2 lbs. of flour.