Fractions, Rule 14. How to divide simple fractions

Question 14a: Calculate 

Answer: Change the division sign to multiplication and invert the fraction to the right of the sign like this:

Multiply the numerators and the denominators, but leave them in factored form:

Factor numerator and denominator and look for the fraction in the mix that has a value of 1 as follows:

After re-arranging, we get:

Simplify the above to get:

Which is equal to:

Now use your calculator to prove to yourself that your answer is correct:

A. Compute 3 divided by 4.
B. Compute 9 divided by 16.
C. Divide the answer you got for A by the answer you got for B.
D. Now compute 4÷3 (4 divided by 3).

If the answers for C and D are the same (equivalent), you have successfully divided a fraction by a second fraction.


Question 14b: Calculate 

Answer: Change the division sign to multiplication and invert the fraction to the right of the sign like this:

Multiply the numerators and denominators, but leave them in factored form:

Factor the numerator and denominator and look for the fractions that have a value of 1:

After re-arranging, we get:

Which is equivalent or equal to:

Now use your calculator to prove to yourself that your answer is correct:

A. Compute 3 divided by 40.
B. Compute 9 divided by 8.
C. Divide the answer you got for A by the answer you got for B.
D. Now compute 1÷15 (1 divided by 15).

If the answers for C and D are the same (equivalent), you have successfully divided a fraction by a second fraction.