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Dividing  Fractions

Dividing fractions is almost the same thing as multiplying fractions but with an added step (after all, we are DIVIDING fractions, right?). There are a number of ways to explain this particular concept so see which one works best for you.

Method #1: The Traditional Way
divisionfractions

Let's see how we work our way through dividing with this particular fraction expression.

Following along…

Step 1: Sign
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The first step is to change the sign. Begin re-writing the problem and instead of having the division symbol switch it to a multiplication sign. Don't be lazy! By re-writing the problem you will be able to see the numbers unfold…

divisionfractions2
Step 2: Flip

Now, you are going to FLIP the second fraction (take the reciprocal or the inverse). Write it.

Step 3: Switch
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Next up? The switch! Yep, sounds odd but, just trust me. Switch the numerators.

*The Commutative Property of Multiplication allows you to do this, of course.

fractdiv1
Step 4: Reduce & Simplify

You can now reduce or simplify, if possible.

Step 5: Multiply
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fractdiv2

Multiply the numerators. Then, multiply the denominators.

Voila! That's it!

(unless, of course, your teacher wants all improper fractions converted to mixed numbers)

Method #2: The Oreo Cookie
division

This method is a bit untraditional, BUT, I can guarantee that you will like it! Why? Well, for one, there are always math problems on those standardized tests that come in formats that are scary looking (for example, they look like this! EEK!).

But, when you break 'em down, you will see that they really aren't difficult at all! It is all PERCEPTION (how you LOOK at things).

division2
Step 1: Insides

Most people eat the INSIDES of the Oreo cookie first, right? Look at the INSIDE numbers first. Multiply these and they become your 'new' denominator.

In this case, 8 • 7 = 56

*If you look carefully, you can see that the 8 is being brought down to multiply with the 7…

division4
Step 2: Outsides
division3

Next, people eat the outsides of the Oreo cookie, right? So, what you do now is look at the OUTSIDE numbers.

Multiply these and they become your 'new' numerator. For us, this is 3 • 12 = 36

*If you look carefully, you can see that the 12 is being brought up to multipy with the 3…

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Step 3: Reduce the New
division4b
9

Now, simply reduce your fraction like you usually would, in whatever method works best for you!

©2011–2017 Sherry Skipper Spurgeon. All rights reserved.