A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Divide Fractions Easily

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!