Dividing two fractions is the same as multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The first step to dividing fractions is to find the reciprocal (reverse the numerator and denominator) of the second fraction. Next, multiply the two numerators. Then, multiply the two denominators.
How do you divide fractions examples?
Dividing Fractions
- Example: 1 2 ÷ 1 6. Turn the second fraction upside down (it becomes a reciprocal): 1 6 becomes 6 1. ...
- Another Example: 1 8 ÷ 1 4. Turn the second fraction upside down (the reciprocal): 1 4 becomes 4 1. ...
- Example: 2 3 ÷ 5. Make 5 into 5 1 : 2 3 ÷ 5 1. ...
- Example: 3 ÷ 1 4. Make 3 into 3 1 : 3 1 ÷ 1 4.
What are the 3 rules for dividing fractions?
The easiest way to divide fractions is to follow three simple steps:
- Flip the divisor into a reciprocal.
- Change the division sign into a multiplication sign and multiply.
- Simplify if possible.
