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Dividing fractions by fractions is a fundamental concept in elementary mathematics that often proves to be challenging for students. Understanding this concept is crucial for solving real-life problems involving fractions, such as calculating portions, scaling recipes, or finding the average of a set of fractions. While it may seem intimidating at first, dividing fractions by fractions can be easily mastered with a step-by-step approach and a clear understanding of the underlying principles. In this guide, we will explore the essential steps and strategies to successfully divide fractions by fractions, providing you with the confidence and skills to conquer any fraction division problem that comes your way.
This article was co-written by Grace Imson, MA. Grace Imson is a math teacher with over 40 years of teaching experience. Grace is currently a math teacher at City University of San Francisco and previously worked in the math department of Saint Louis University. She has taught math at the elementary, middle, high, and college levels. She holds a master’s degree in education from Saint Louis University, majoring in management and supervision in education.
This article has been viewed 153,252 times.
Dividing fractions by fractions sounds complicated, but it’s actually very simple. All you need to know is to inverse fractions, multiply and simplify fractions. This article will decipher this process, and you will find dividing fractions as easy as eating candy.
Steps
Practice dividing fractions by fractions
- 2/3 * 7/3 = __
- First, divide 14 by 9. 14 divided by 9 gives 1 remainder 5, so we have a mixed number: 1 5/9 (“one-fifth”).
- This is the final answer! We can see that the fraction cannot be reduced further because the numerator is not divisible by the denominator (5 is not divisible by 9) and the numerator is a prime number, i.e. a positive integer that is only divisible by 1. and itself. [2] XResearch Source
- Divide the numerator by the denominator ( 24/10 = 2 remainder 4 ).
- So we have 2 4/10 . However, we can still reduce this mixed number.
- We see that 4 and 10 are even numbers, so we can divide both numbers by 2, so we reduce 4/10 to 2/5.
- Since the numerator (2) is a prime number that is not divisible by the denominator (5), we cannot reduce it any further. The end result is: 2 2/5 .
Understand how to divide fractions by fractions
- Think about it another way, take a glass of water as an example, ask: If you have two cups of water, how many half a cup of water do you have? You can pour half a cup twice to fill a glass of water, which means you add the two halves together, so when you have two cups: 2 halves/1 cup * 2 cups = 4 halves.
- When the divisor is between 0 and 1, the result is always greater than the original value of the divisor! This is always true whether the number being divided is an integer or a fraction.
- The reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.
- The reciprocal of 7/5 is 5/7.
- The reciprocal of 1/2 is 2/1, which is also 2.
- Temporarily do not consider the first fraction.
- Convert the division sign in the calculation to the multiplication sign.
- Find the inverse of the second fraction. That is, reverse the positions of the numerator and denominator.
- Multiply the numerator (number above) of two fractions together to get the numerator of the calculation. [5] XResearch Sources
- Multiply the denominator (bottom number) of the two fractions to get the denominator of the result.
- Minimize the resulting fraction.
- 1/3 ÷ 2/5 = will become:
- 1/3 * __ =
- Then we invert the second fraction (2/5) to get its reciprocal of 5/2:
- 1/3 * 5/2 =
- Now multiplying the two numerators of the first fraction and the reciprocal of the second fraction together, we get 1*5 = 5.
- 1/3 * 5/2 = 5/
- Similarly, multiplying the two denominators together, we get 3*2 = 6.
- So we have: 1/3 * 5/2 = 5/6
- This is a simple fraction so it is also the final result of the calculation.
- Another way to help you remember what to do with each part of the calculation is: “ Ignore me (first fraction), Change me (division), Invert me (second fraction))
This article was co-written by Grace Imson, MA. Grace Imson is a math teacher with over 40 years of teaching experience. Grace is currently a math teacher at City University of San Francisco and previously worked in the math department of Saint Louis University. She has taught math at the elementary, middle, high, and college levels. She holds a master’s degree in education from Saint Louis University, majoring in management and supervision in education.
This article has been viewed 153,252 times.
Dividing fractions by fractions sounds complicated, but it’s actually very simple. All you need to know is to inverse fractions, multiply and simplify fractions. This article will decipher this process, and you will find dividing fractions as easy as eating candy.
In conclusion, dividing fractions by fractions may initially seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the concepts involved and a step-by-step approach, it becomes a straightforward process. By following the steps of multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction, simplifying if possible, and reducing to the simplest form, dividing fractions by fractions can be easily accomplished. It is important to remember to never divide by zero and to always check for signs when dealing with negative fractions. With practice and familiarity, dividing fractions by fractions can become a fluid and efficient skill to possess in various mathematical contexts.
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