Tutoring middle school or high school math, you come across these from time to time.  The math tutor explains how to unravel them.

We sometimes might encounter a fraction such as

(3/4)/8

How do you simplify such a fraction to a normal, two-stage one?

First, notice the separation: it’s between the 3/4 and the 8. Printed books may use a longer line instead of brackets. The separation can be written as a divided sign:

(3/4)/8=3/4÷8

To divide with fractions, you rewrite the first, invert the second, and multiply. Note that 8 is really 8/1. We proceed as follows:

(3/4)/8=3/4÷8=3/4÷8/1=3/4*1/8=3/32

Another example:

Simplify (5/9)/(4/3)

Note the separation is between 5/9 and 4/3. Recall that, in a printed book, a longer line might be used between them.

Anyhow, fraction really means

5/9÷4/3

which really means

5/9*3/4=15/36=5/12

Have a great day:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.