Dividing Fractions with Models

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

Front

What does it mean to divide fractions?

Back

Dividing fractions means finding out how many times one fraction fits into another. It involves multiplying by the reciprocal of the divisor.

Front

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

Back

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping its numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.

Front

How do you divide 1/2 by 1/4 using models?

Back

To divide 1/2 by 1/4, you can use a model to show that 1/2 can be divided into 2 parts of 1/4 each. So, 1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 2.

Front

What is the first step in dividing fractions?

Back

The first step is to find the reciprocal of the fraction you are dividing by.

Front

How do you multiply fractions?

Back

To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. For example, (2/3) × (3/4) = 6/12.

Front

What is the relationship between dividing by a fraction and multiplying by its reciprocal?

Back

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. For example, a ÷ (b/c) = a × (c/b).

Front

Can you give an example of dividing fractions with whole numbers?

Back

To divide 3 by 1/2, you can rewrite it as 3 ÷ (1/2) = 3 × (2/1) = 6.

Front

What is a visual model for dividing fractions?

Back

A visual model can be a number line or area model that shows how many times one fraction fits into another.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a fraction?

Back

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors.