Dividing Fractions
Dividing a fraction means finding how many times one fraction fits into another, which is done by multiplying by the reciprocal.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
To divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal (flip the second fraction upside down)
The reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3; multiplying by the reciprocal is the same as dividing
Dividing a whole number by a fraction: 3 ÷ 1/2 = 3 × 2/1 = 6
Always simplify the result to its lowest terms after dividing
Key Vocabulary
Reciprocal
The number you get by flipping a fraction upside down (e.g. reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2)
Numerator
The top number in a fraction, showing how many parts are taken
Denominator
The bottom number in a fraction, showing how many equal parts make the whole
Simplify
To reduce a fraction to its lowest terms by dividing numerator and denominator by their HCF
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What is 1/2 ÷ 1/4?
Question 2
Calculate 3/4 ÷ 3/8.
Question 3
A recipe needs 3/4 cup of flour. You only have a 1/8 cup measure. How many scoops do you need?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●To divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal (flip the second fraction upside down)
- ●The reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3; multiplying by the reciprocal is the same as dividing
- ●Dividing a whole number by a fraction: 3 ÷ 1/2 = 3 × 2/1 = 6
- ●Always simplify the result to its lowest terms after dividing