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Dividing Fractions

Dividing Fractions

Instead of dividing fractions, carry out a multiplication.

First, change the division to a multiplication (its inverse operation). Second, invert (turn upside down) the second fraction.

Example 1

Calculate `frac(1)(8)` ÷ `frac(2)(3)`.

`frac(1)(8) ÷ frac(2)(3)`

` = frac(1)(8) xx frac(3)(2)`

` = frac(3)(16)`

Answer: `frac(3)(16)`

Example 2

Two-fifths of a cake has to be split 4 ways.  What fraction of the cake does each person receive?

`frac(2)(5)÷4 = frac(2)(5) ÷ frac(4)(1)`

` = frac(2)(5) xx frac(1)(4)`

` = frac(2^(÷2) xx 1)(5 xx 4_(÷2))`

` = frac(1 xx 1)(5 xx2)`

` = frac(1)(10)`

Answer: `frac(1)(10)`