To divide fractions, you can use the following steps:
- Flip the second fraction. This means finding its reciprocal, which is done by switching the numerator and denominator.
- Change the division sign to multiplication.
- Multiply the two fractions.
- Simplify the answer, if possible.
Here is an example:
1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 1/2 * 4/1 = 4/2 = 2
You can also use a visual model to divide fractions. For example, to divide 1/2 by 1/4, you could cut a square into 2 equal parts and then cut each of those parts into 4 equal parts. This would give you a total of 8 equal parts. Since you started with 2 parts, you have divided by 1/4. The answer is 2.
Here are some tips for dividing fractions:
- If the second fraction is a whole number, you can convert it to a fraction by putting it over 1. For example, 3 ÷ 1/2 is the same as 3/1 ÷ 1/2.
- If the first fraction has a whole number part, you can split it into two fractions: the whole number part and the fractional part. For example, 2 1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 2/1 + 1/2 ÷ 1/4. Then, you can divide each fraction separately.
- After you multiply the two fractions, simplify the answer by looking for common factors in the numerator and denominator. For example, 6/8 = 3/4.
If you are still having trouble dividing fractions, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can also ask a teacher or tutor for help.