Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 11/7
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Nesting of unit fractions is common in aptitude tests. Resolving the inner-most parentheses first ensures clarity and prevents inversion errors when moving outward through the expression.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Start inside: compute (1 + 1/3), then take its reciprocal for the inner division, add to 1, invert again for the outer division, and finally add 1. Keeping every step exact avoids rounding issues.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Compute inner sum: 1 + 1/3 = 4/3.Inner division: 1 ÷ (4/3) = 3/4.Middle braces: 1 + 3/4 = 7/4.Outer division: 1 ÷ (7/4) = 4/7.Final addition: 1 + 4/7 = 11/7.
Verification / Alternative check:
Represent the whole expression as a continued fraction 1 + 1/(1 + 1/(1 + 1/3)) and evaluate bottom-up; the result is again 11/7.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
11/3 and 12/3 are too large; 14/7 equals 2 and ignores nesting; 11/8 comes from inverting the wrong term.
Common Pitfalls:
Inverting 1 + 1/3 instead of dividing by it; adding 1 at the wrong stage; switching to decimals mid-calculation.
Final Answer:
11/7
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