Dividing Fractions Math Example 2

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Example 2

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A ribbon is 78\frac{7}{8} of a metre long. It is cut into pieces that are each 14\frac{1}{4} of a metre. How many pieces are there?

Solution

  1. 1
    Set up the division: 78÷14\frac{7}{8} \div \frac{1}{4}.
  2. 2
    Multiply by the reciprocal: 78×41=288\frac{7}{8} \times \frac{4}{1} = \frac{28}{8}.
  3. 3
    Simplify: 288=72=312\frac{28}{8} = \frac{7}{2} = 3\frac{1}{2}. So there are 3 full pieces with a half-piece remaining.

Answer

312 pieces3\frac{1}{2} \text{ pieces}
Dividing fractions models how many times one quantity fits into another. When the answer is not a whole number, the fractional part represents a partial group.

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?'

Learn more about Dividing Fractions →

More Dividing Fractions Examples

Example 1 easy

Divide [formula].

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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