Dividing Fractions

Follow these steps for dividing fractions or Mixed Numbers:

 

Dividing whole numbers by fractions: Dividing fractions by fractions:

 

Example: 24   divided by  2/3

 

Step 1: Change the whole number to a
           fraction.

                         24  =  24/1 

 

Example: 1/5  divided  2  1/2

 

Step 1: Change the mixed number to an
            improper fraction.

                          2  1/2   =  5/2

 

Step 2: Take the reciprocal of the number
            you are dividing by.(Always the
            fraction to the right) and change
            the sign to MULTIPLICATION.                

            Change   2/3  to  3/2

                           and

             Multiply  24/1  *  3/2

 

Step 2: Take the reciprocal of the
            number you are dividing by.
           (Always the fraction to the
            right) and change the sign to
            MULTIPLICATION.                

            Change   5/2  to  2/5

                           and

             Multiply   1/5  *  2/5

Step 3: Reduce or cross reduce.

            24/1 *  3/2  =  12/1  *   3/1

Step 3: Reduce or cross reduce.

           

 

Step 4: Multiply the numerators and
            multiply the denominators.

            12/1  *  3/1    =   36/1

 

Step 4: Multiply the numerators and
            multiply the denominators.

            1/5  *  2/5  =   2/25

 

Step 5: If necessary, convert the answer
            to a mixed number

                      36/1 = 36

 

 

Step 5: If necessary, convert the answer
            to a mixed number

           

 

Step 6: Put the answer into lowest terms.

                              36

Step 6: Put the answer into lowest terms.

                         2/25

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