6.2.6 Divide Fractions

Dividing Fractions

Very similar to dividing by whole numbers but now with fractions. We are still multiplying by the reciprocal of the 2nd given fraction in the problem.

There is another way to divide fractions:

    • Using the example from above, we will use 5/6 Ă· 2/3.
      • Instead of multiplying by the reciprocal though, we will cross multiply.
      • For this example, that means multiplying 5 (the numerator) by 3 (the denominator) which gives us 15. We will also multiply 6 (the denominator) by 2 (the numerator)

The answer given above will be the same answer as if you had done the problem normally.

These examples show the first method you learned where you keep the first fraction, change the sign to a multiplication symbol, and do the reciprocal to the second fraction. It is then treated as a normal multiplication problem.


You may also try to do method described above on these as well. You will, of course, get the same answer. It is up to you to choose which method makes sense to you.

Homework: