Rule 15: DIVISION

To divide a fraction by a whole number, or a whole number by a fraction, convert the division process to a multiplication process, and complete the following steps.

1.

Convert the whole number to a fraction

2.

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

3.

Multiply the numerators.

4.

Multiply the denominators.

5.

Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)

a.

Factor the product of the numerators.

b.

Factor the product of the denominators.

c.

Look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

Example : Multiply .

Answer: The answer is .

Solution: Convert the 7 to the fraction . The problem can now be written as

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

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

The numerator and denominator do not share a common factor, therefore the answer is
.

Check: You can check the answer with your calculator. Calculate 3 divided by 4 and divide that result by 7. Now calculate 3 divided by 28. If the answers are the same, you have correctly worked this problem.

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

Work the following problems and click on Answer to check your results.

Problem 1: Calculate and reduce your answer.

Answer

Problem 2: Calculate and reduce your answer.

Answer

Problem 3: Calculate and reduce your answer.

Answer

Problem 4: Calculate and reduce your answer.

Answer

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