The simplified value of $$\frac{\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{1}{3}}{\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{3} \text{ of } \frac{1}{3}} - \frac{1}{9}$$ is
Aptitude
Simplification
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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A0
-
B1/9
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C1/3
-
D1
Answer
Correct Answer: 0
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
This problem highlights the crucial precedence difference between division ($\div$) and the 'of' operator under standard **BODMAS** rules. 'Of' takes complete precedence over division.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Step 1: Simplify the Numerator**
$$\text{Numerator} = \frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{1}{3}$$
Division takes priority over multiplication here:
$$\left(\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{3}\right) \times \frac{1}{3} = 1 \times \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{3}$$
* **Step 2: Simplify the Denominator**
$$\text{Denominator} = \frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{3} \text{ of } \frac{1}{3}$$
The 'of' operation takes priority over division:
$$\frac{1}{3} \text{ of } \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{9}$$
Now perform the division:
$$\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{9} = \frac{1}{3} \times 9 = 3$$
* **Step 3: Evaluate the Overall Fraction**
$$\text{Fraction Block} = \frac{\text{Numerator}}{\text{Denominator}} = \frac{\frac{1}{3}}{3} = \frac{1}{9}$$
* **Step 4: Perform Final Subtraction**
$$\frac{1}{9} - \frac{1}{9} = 0$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Recognize this classic pattern instantly: $\text{Term} \div \text{Term} \times \text{Term}$ evaluates to $\text{Term}$, whereas $\text{Term} \div \text{Term of Term}$ evaluates to $\frac{1}{\text{Term}}$. Recognizing this avoids manual fraction computations entirely.
### Common Pitfall
Treating the denominator as identical to the numerator by ignoring the 'of' rule leads to a value of $1 - \frac{1}{9} = \frac{8}{9}$, which is a common miscalculation trap.
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 0.**