Fraction Division

Opposite of Multiplication

The opposite number:

Invert Called the reciprocal 3 4 invert to make 4 3

To Divide

Invert the second number Multiply

2 3 2 4 8 5 4 5 3 15

Steps
Change Whole numbers and mixed numbers to improper fractions Invert the second fraction (the divisor) and multiply Cancel if you can Multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator.

Examples

1 2 4 1 2 4 1
1 1 4 2 1 1 1 4 2 8

3 1 2 4 5 3 11 4 5
3 5 4 11 3 5 15 4 11 44

Word Problems

Commutative
Multiplication is commutative 3x4 = 4x3 Is division commutative? NO!

Division
The order matters When working word problems, be careful what order you write the problem. The thing being split, cut, sorted, shared, divided, or grouped goes first. How many pieces or how big goes second.

Fran puts 5 1/3 lbs of chocolate in 2/3 lb containers. How many containers?
Chocolate is first as it is split. Total divided by How Big is How Many.

1 2 16 3 8 1 5 8 3 3 3 2 1 1
8 containers.

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