Mathematics
Grade 7
15 min
Divide fractions
Divide fractions
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define and identify the reciprocal of a fraction.
Convert division of fractions problems into multiplication problems using the reciprocal.
Accurately divide proper and improper fractions.
Divide mixed numbers by first converting them to improper fractions.
Simplify fractional answers to their lowest terms.
Solve real-world word problems involving the division of fractions.
Ever wondered how many half-cup servings you can get from a 3/4 cup of yogurt? 🤔 Dividing fractions helps us answer questions like these!
In this lesson, you'll learn the essential steps to divide fractions, including how to handle mixed numbers and simplify your answers. Understanding fraction division is a key skill that builds on your knowledge of multiplication and prepares...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FractionA number representing a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two integers, a numerator over a denominator.In the fraction $\frac{3}{4}$, 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
NumeratorThe top number in a fraction, indicating how many parts of the whole are being considered.In $\frac{2}{5}$, the numerator is 2.
DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction, indicating the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.In $\frac{2}{5}$, the denominator is 5.
Reciprocal (Multiplicative Inverse)The reciprocal of a fraction is found by flipping the numerator and the denominator. When a number is multiplied by its reciprocal, the product is always 1.The reciprocal of $\frac{2}{3}$ is $\frac{3}{2}$. The reciprocal of 5 (or $\frac{5}{1}$) is $\frac{1}{...
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Core Formulas
Rule for Finding the Reciprocal
If a fraction is $\frac{a}{b}$, its reciprocal is $\frac{b}{a}$. For a whole number $n$, its reciprocal is $\frac{1}{n}$.
To find the reciprocal, simply flip the numerator and the denominator. This is a crucial first step when dividing fractions.
Rule for Dividing Fractions (Keep, Change, Flip)
$\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{d}{c}$
To divide one fraction by another: 1. KEEP the first fraction as it is. 2. CHANGE the division sign to a multiplication sign. 3. FLIP (find the reciprocal of) the second fraction. Then, multiply the fractions as usual.
Rule for Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
$A\frac{b}{c} = \frac{(A \times c) + b}{c}$
When dividing with mixed numbers, always convert them to improper...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
The product of two fractions is 15/4. If one of the fractions is 2 1/2, what is the other fraction?
A.75/8
B.3/2
C.2/3
D.8/75
Challenging
Evaluate the expression: 1 ÷ (1 ÷ 4/5)
A.4/5
B.5/4
C.1
D.25/16
Challenging
A water tank is 2/3 full. The water is used to fill several small bottles, each of which has a capacity of 1/12 of the tank's total volume. How many bottles can be completely filled?
A.1/18
B.6
C.18
D.8
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