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How to Divide Fractions

Dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by the number's reciprocal. For example:
• dividing by 2 is the same as multiplying by 1/2
• dividing by 4 is the same as multiplying by 1/4

Simply invert (i.e. flip over) the second fraction, then multiply the new numerators (top numbers), and the new denomominators (bottom numbers), and place the resulting answers in their respective top / bottom location in the answer fraction. Then reduce the fraction, if possible

Example 1: Simple fraction division

1/1

÷

1/2

=

?

Invert the 1/2, creating 2/1, then multiply numerators and denominators to find the answer:

1/1

x

2/1

=

2/1

=

2

Example 2: Fraction division requiring reducing and conversion:

2/4

÷

2/5

=

?

Invert the 2/5, then multiply:

2/4

x

5/2

=

10/8

Then reduce the fraction:

10/8

=

5/4

Then convert the improper fraction to a mixed number:

5/4

=

1-1/4