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Easy steps to Divide Fractions

Jun 09, 2021

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When we take a part of a whole, it is known as a fraction. It can be used to define the parts of a particular size. This size or whole number is used to represent the specific value of an object or a thing. In other words, we can classify fractions as sections or portions. We can perform several arithmetic operations such as adding, multiplying, subtracting and dividing fractions. In this article, we will focus on how to perform division on fractions or a combination of fractions and whole numbers.

Terms of a Fraction


Suppose we take the example of a fractional number 8/3. The value 8 that is written above the bar is known as the numerator. The number 3 written below the bar is called the denominator.

Division of Fractions


We will see three possible cases that can arise when we divide fractions or fractions and whole numbers.

Division of a Fraction by a Whole Number


In such a case, the number being divided is a fraction, and the number that is used to divide is a whole number. To perform such a division, we need to express the whole number in the form of a fraction. We then flip this value or take the reciprocal and multiply it with the fraction to get the answer.

Example: Divide 5/7 by 3.

  • Step 1: Write 3 as a fraction; 3/1.

  • Step 2: Take the reciprocal of 3/1; ⅓.

  • Step 3: Multiply 5/7 with ⅓ to get the answer; 5/7 * ⅓ = 5/21.


Thus, dividing 5/7 by 3, we get 5/21.

Division of a Whole Number by a Fraction


In this situation, the whole number gets divided by a fractional number. For this, we need to flip the fraction and multiply it by the whole number to get the correct answer. Let us see an example of this scenario.

Divide 3 by 5/4.

  • Step 1: Flip the fraction 5/4 (or take the reciprocal); ⅘

  • Step 2: Multiply this value with 3 to get the answer; 3 * ⅘ = 12/5.


Thus, dividing 3 by 5/4 gives 12/5.

Division of a Fraction by a Fraction


In such a case, both the dividend and the divisor are fractions. Similar to the cases given above, when we divide two fractions, we take the reciprocal of the second fraction and multiply it by the first. For instance, divide 5/7 by 8/3.

  • Step 1: Take the reciprocal or flip 8/3; ⅜.

  • Step 2: Multiply 5/7 with ⅜ to get the answer; 5/7 * ⅜ = 15/56.


Hence, when we divide 5/7 by 8/3, we get 15/56.

Conclusion


When we divide fractions, the only rule to remember is that we have to take the reciprocal of the second number and multiply it by the first to get the answer. There are other aspects related to fractions that are equally important for young minds to learn; hence, they should join an online coaching institution such as Cuemath. At Cuemath, the certified math experts use several resources such as worksheets, online workbooks, math puzzles, interactive games, etc. They ensure that a child develops a robust mathematical foundation while having an enjoyable learning journey. Kids are encouraged to maintain a pace of studying that is conducive to their learning style. Hopefully, this article gives you an idea of how to perform division of fractions that can be used to solve problems.

Tags: English