How to Divide Fractions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dividing fractions can seem challenging at first, but with the right steps, it becomes a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Understand the Rule of Dividing Fractions
To divide one fraction by another, you need to multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number).
Step 2: Write Down the Fractions
Let’s say you want to divide the fraction 3/4 by 2/5. Write this as:
3/4 ÷ 2/5
Step 3: Find the Reciprocal
The reciprocal of 2/5 is 5/2. Write this down:
Step 4: Change Division to Multiplication
Now, change the division sign to a multiplication sign and write the reciprocal:
3/4 × 5/2
Step 5: Multiply the Fractions
Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together:
(3 × 5) / (4 × 2) = 15/8
Step 6: Simplify the Result (if necessary)
The fraction 15/8 is already in its simplest form. However, if you want to convert it to a mixed number, you can do the following:
Divide 15 by 8 to get 1 with a remainder of 7, so it can be expressed as:
1 7/8
Conclusion
So, when dividing fractions, remember to multiply by the reciprocal, simplify if necessary, and express it in the desired format. With practice, you'll find dividing fractions is a breeze!