Dividing Fractions

Front

What is the process of dividing fractions?

Back

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. For example, to divide a/b by c/d, calculate a/b * d/c.

Front

What is a reciprocal?

Back

A reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number. For example, the reciprocal of 2 is 1/2.

Front

How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

Back

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place that result over the original denominator. For example, 2 1/3 becomes (2*3 + 1)/3 = 7/3.

Front

What is the formula for dividing a whole number by a fraction?

Back

To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction. For example, 3 ÷ 1/4 = 3 * 4/1 = 12.

Front

How do you find the total amount when dividing a quantity among a number of people?

Back

To find the total amount per person, divide the total quantity by the number of people. For example, if 10 glasses of tea are shared among 7 friends, each friend gets 10 ÷ 7 = 1.43 glasses.

Front

What is the significance of the denominator in a fraction?

Back

The denominator indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into. For example, in the fraction 1/4, the denominator 4 means the whole is divided into 4 equal parts.

Front

How do you calculate the amount each person receives when sharing a total quantity?

Back

To calculate the amount each person receives, divide the total quantity by the number of recipients. For example, if 5 3/4 tubs of ice cream are shared among 48 people, each person receives (5 3/4) ÷ 48.

Front

What is the relationship between multiplication and division of fractions?

Back

Multiplication and division of fractions are inverse operations. Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.

Front

How do you determine how many times a smaller quantity fits into a larger quantity?

Back

To determine how many times a smaller quantity fits into a larger quantity, divide the larger quantity by the smaller quantity. For example, if you have 5 cubic feet of fertilizer and use 1/8 cubic foot per pot, calculate 5 ÷ (1/8) = 40 pots.

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). For example, in 1/2, 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.