Dividing Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole and is written as $$\frac{a}{b}$$ , where 'a' is the numerator and 'b' is the denominator.

Dividing fractions involves multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

The reciprocal of a fraction $$\frac{a}{b}$$ is $$\frac{b}{a}$$ .

To convert an improper fraction, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, and the remainder over the original denominator is the fractional part.

$$\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{3}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{4}{3} = \frac{4}{6} = \frac{2}{3}$$ .

$$\frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{3}{5} = \frac{6}{15} = \frac{2}{5}$$ after simplification.

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

The GCD of 8 and 12 is 4.

$$\frac{5}{6} \div \frac{3}{4} = \frac{5}{6} \cdot \frac{4}{3} = \frac{20}{18} = \frac{10}{9}$$ after simplification.

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction, such as 2 1/2.