Dividing Simple Fractions: Example 1

Rule 14: To divide one fraction by a second fraction, convert the problem to multiplication and multiply the two fractions.

1.

Change the sign to x and invert the fraction to the right of the sign.

2.

Multiply the numerators.

3.

Multiply the denominators.

4.

Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)

a.: Factor the product of the numerators.
b.: Factor the product of the denominators.
c.

Example 1: Multiply tex2html_wrap_inline107 .

Answer: The answer is .

Solution: Change the division sign to multiplication and invert the fraction to the right of the sign. tex2html_wrap_inline111

Multiply the numerators and the denominators, but leave them in factored form. tex2html_wrap_inline113 .

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

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Check: Now prove the answer with your calculator. Calculate 3 divided by 40, 9 divided by 8, and divide the first answer by the second answer. Now calculate 1 divided by 15. If you are correct, the answers are the same (equivalent) and you have successfully divided a fraction by a second fraction.

If you are interested in reviewing another example, click on the word Example.

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Author: Nancy Marcus