Dividing Simple Fractions: Example 3

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 3: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline66 and reduce the answer.

Answer: The answer is

Solution: Change the division sign to multiplication and invert the fraction to the right of the sign. tex2html_wrap_inline70

Multiply the numerators and the denominators, but leave them in factored form. tex2html_wrap_inline72

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

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and

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Check: Now prove the answer with your calculator. Calculate 14 divided by 100, 21 divided by 25, and divide the first answer by the second answer. Now calculate 1 divided by 6. If you are correct, the answers are the same (equivalent) and you have successfully divided one fraction by a second fraction.

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Author: Nancy Marcus