Step 1. Turn the second portion (the one you want to division by) upside down(this is now a reciprocal). Step 2. Main point the very first fraction by that reciprocalStep 3. Leveling the portion (if needed) |
Example:
12 ÷ 16
Step 1. Revolve the second portion upside down (it i do not care a reciprocal):
16 becomes 61
Step 2. Main point the very first fraction by that reciprocal:
(multiply tops ...)
12×61 = 1 × 62 × 1 = 62
(... Main point bottoms)
Step 3. Simplify the fraction:
62 = 3
With Pen and also Paper
And right here is how to carry out it with a pen and document (press the pat button):
To help you remember:
♫ "Dividing fractions, as simple as pie,Flip the 2nd fraction, climate multiply.And don"t forget come simplify,Before it"s time come say goodbye" ♫
Another way to mental is: "leave me, adjust me, rotate me over" | ![]() |
How Many?
20 separated by 5 is questioning "how plenty of 5s in 20?" (=4)andso:
12 ÷ 16 is really asking:
how countless 16s in 12 ?
Now look at the pizzas listed below ... How numerous "1/6th slices" fit into a "1/2 slice"?
How many | ![]() | in | ![]() | ? | Answer: 3 |
So now you deserve to see why 12 ÷ 16 = 3
In various other words "I have fifty percent a pizza, if I divide it right into one-sixth slices, how countless slices is that?"
Another Example:
18 ÷ 14
Step 1. Revolve the second portion upside down (the reciprocal):
14 i do not care 41
Step 2. Main point the an initial fraction by the reciprocal:
18 × 41 = 1 × 48 × 1 = 48
Step 3. Leveling the fraction:
48 = 12
Fractions and also Whole Numbers
What about department with fountain and entirety numbers?
Make the whole number a fraction, by placing it over 1.
Example:
23 ÷ 5
Make 5 into 51 :
23 ÷ 51
Then proceed as before.
Step 1. Turn the second portion upside under (the reciprocal):
51 i do not care 15
Step 2. Main point the first fraction by the reciprocal:
23 × 15 = 2 × 13 × 5 = 215
Step 3. Simplify the fraction:
The fraction is currently as straightforward as it have the right to be.
Answer = 215
Example:
3 ÷ 14
Make 3 right into 31 :
31 ÷ 14
Then proceed as before.
Step 1. Turn the second portion upside down (the reciprocal):
14 i do not care 41
Step 2. Main point the an initial fraction by that reciprocal:
31 × 41 = 3 × 41 × 1 = 121
Step 3. Simplify the fraction:
121 = 12
And psychic ...
See more: What Is The True Story Of The Three Little Pigs Moral Lesson
You have the right to rewrite a question like "20 divided by 5" into "how many 5s in 20"
So friend can likewise rewrite "3 separated by ¼" into "how many ¼s in 3" (=12)
Why rotate the portion Upside Down?
Because separating is the contrary of multiplying!
A fraction says to: | ||
multiply by the height numberdivide by the bottom number | ![]() |
But because that DIVISION we:
divide through the peak numbermultiply by the bottom numberExample: splitting by 5/2 is the exact same as multiply by 2/5

So instead of separating by a fraction, that is simpler to turn that portion upside down, then carry out a multiply.
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