Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers

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.

A mixed number is a whole number combined with a fraction, such as $$2\frac{1}{3}$$ .

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

The reciprocal of a number $$x$$ is $$\frac{1}{x}$$ .

The reciprocal of $$2$$ is $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

The reciprocal of $$\frac{3}{4}$$ is $$\frac{4}{3}$$ .

Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and place that over the original denominator.

$$5 \div \frac{1}{5} = 25$$ .

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

To simplify a fraction means to reduce it to its lowest terms.