Dividing Fractions
To divide by a fraction, flip it upside down (find its reciprocal) and multiply. This "flip and multiply" method works because dividing is the inverse of multiplying.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
The reciprocal of a fraction is found by swapping numerator and denominator: reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2
To divide by a fraction: multiply by its reciprocal — a/b ÷ c/d = a/b x d/c
Whole numbers can be written as fractions over 1: 4 = 4/1
Always simplify your answer by finding the highest common factor
Key Vocabulary
Reciprocal
The reciprocal of a/b is b/a; a number times its reciprocal equals 1
Dividend
The number being divided
Divisor
The number you divide by
Simplify
To reduce a fraction to its lowest terms by dividing by common factors
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Calculate: 3/4 / 1/2
Question 2
Calculate: 2/3 / 2/5
Question 3
Calculate: 4 / 1/3
Key Concepts Summary
- ●The reciprocal of a fraction is found by swapping numerator and denominator: reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2
- ●To divide by a fraction: multiply by its reciprocal — a/b ÷ c/d = a/b x d/c
- ●Whole numbers can be written as fractions over 1: 4 = 4/1
- ●Always simplify your answer by finding the highest common factor