Dividing Fractions Math Example 1

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Example 1

easy
Divide 34÷25\frac{3}{4} \div \frac{2}{5}.

Solution

  1. 1
    Take the reciprocal of the divisor: 25\frac{2}{5} becomes 52\frac{5}{2}.
  2. 2
    Multiply: 34×52=158\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{5}{2} = \frac{15}{8}.
  3. 3
    Convert to a mixed number if desired: 158=178\frac{15}{8} = 1\frac{7}{8}.

Answer

158=178\frac{15}{8} = 1\frac{7}{8}
Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. This 'keep-change-flip' rule works because division asks 'how many groups of the divisor fit into the dividend.'

About Dividing Fractions

Dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal: ab÷cd=ab×dc=adbc\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{d}{c} = \frac{ad}{bc}. This works because division asks 'how many groups of this size fit?'

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More Dividing Fractions Examples

Example 2 medium

A ribbon is [formula] of a metre long. It is cut into pieces that are each [formula] of a metre. How

Example 3 easy

Compute [formula].

Example 4 hard

A container holds [formula] of a litre of juice. Each glass holds [formula] of a litre. How many ful

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