(–7) / (21/13) = ?

Question

(–7) / (21/13) = ?

1. A. –147/13
2. B. –13/3 (Correct answer)
3. C. (14 – 7)/13
4. D. 13/3

Correct Answer

Option B — –13/3

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is –13/3.

Key Points

• Dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal: (−7) ÷ (21/13) = −7 × 13/21.
• 7 and 21 cancel to 1 and 3, leaving −13/3.

Exam Tip

• Cancel before multiplying — it avoids large intermediate numbers and sign slips.

Additional Information

• Rule: a ÷ (b/c) = a × (c/b). Dividing by a fraction smaller than 1 increases the magnitude; dividing by one greater than 1 decreases it.
• A negative divided by a positive is negative, so the sign of the answer is settled before any arithmetic — that alone eliminates option (D).