Dividing Fractions

Dividing fractions involves multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of $$\frac{a}{b}$$ is $$\frac{b}{a}$$ .

To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction. For example, $$6 \text{ divided by } \frac{1}{2} = 6 \times 2 = 12$$ .

$$\frac{4}{9} \times \frac{5}{4} = \frac{5}{9}$$ .

$$3 \times 6 = 18$$ .

$$8 \times 3 = 24$$ .

Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its lowest terms, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as $$1 \frac{1}{2}$$ .

To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator. For example, $$1 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{2}$$ .

The first step is to find the reciprocal of the second fraction.