Step 1. Turn the second portion (the one you want to division by) upside down(this is currently a reciprocal). Step 2. Multiply the very first fraction by the reciprocalStep 3. Simplify the fraction (if needed) |
Example:
12 ÷ 16
Step 1. Rotate the second fraction upside down (it i do not care a reciprocal):
16 becomes 61
Step 2. Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal:
(multiply top ...)
12×61 = 1 × 62 × 1 = 62
(... Main point bottoms)
Step 3. Leveling the fraction:
62 = 3
With Pen and also Paper
And below is exactly how to execute it through a pen and file (press the play button):
To aid you remember:
♫ "Dividing fractions, as easy as pie,Flip the 2nd fraction, climate multiply.And don"t forget to simplify,Before it"s time come say goodbye" ♫
Another method to psychic is: "leave me, adjust me, rotate me over" | ![]() |
How Many?
20 separated by 5 is asking "how plenty of 5s in 20?" (=4)andso:
12 ÷ 16 is yes, really asking:
how plenty of 16s in 12 ?
Now look in ~ the pizzas below ... How many "1/6th slices" fit right into a "1/2 slice"?
How many | ![]() | in | ![]() | ? | Answer: 3 |
So now you deserve to see why 12 ÷ 16 = 3
In various other words "I have half a pizza, if I division it right into one-sixth slices, how countless slices is that?"
Another Example:
18 ÷ 14
Step 1. Revolve the second portion upside down (the reciprocal):
14 becomes 41
Step 2. Main point the first fraction by the reciprocal:
18 × 41 = 1 × 48 × 1 = 48
Step 3. Simplify the fraction:
48 = 12
Fractions and Whole Numbers
What about department with fractions and whole numbers?
Make the whole number a fraction, by putting it over 1.
Example:
23 ÷ 5
Make 5 into 51 :
23 ÷ 51
Then continue as before.
Step 1. Rotate the second fraction upside under (the reciprocal):
51 becomes 15
Step 2. Multiply the very first fraction by the reciprocal:
23 × 15 = 2 × 13 × 5 = 215
Step 3. Simplify the fraction:
The fraction is already as basic as it deserve to be.
Answer = 215
Example:
3 ÷ 14
Make 3 into 31 :
31 ÷ 14
Then continue as before.
Step 1. Rotate the second portion upside down (the reciprocal):
14 i do not care 41
Step 2. Multiply the very first fraction by that reciprocal:
31 × 41 = 3 × 41 × 1 = 121
Step 3. Simplify the fraction:
121 = 12
And mental ...
See more: What Does " 6 Foot 7 Foot 8 Foot Bunch, 6 Foot 7 Foot
You deserve to rewrite a question prefer "20 split by 5" right into "how countless 5s in 20"
So friend can also rewrite "3 divided by ¼" into "how many ¼s in 3" (=12)
Why turn the fraction Upside Down?
Because splitting is the contrary of multiplying!
A portion says to: | ||
multiply through the top numberdivide by the bottom number | ![]() |
But for DIVISION we:
divide through the height numbermultiply through the bottom numberExample: dividing by 5/2 is the very same as multiply by 2/5

So rather of splitting by a fraction, the is less complicated to revolve that portion upside down, then execute a multiply.
advent to Fractions splitting Fractions by whole Numbers Multiplying fractions Simplifying Fractions tantamount Fractions including Fractions Subtracting fountain Divisibility rule Fractions Index