Dividing Fractions Made Easy
Dividing fractions might seem tricky at first, but once you learn the "keep-change-flip" method, you'll be a fraction division expert!
When we divide fractions, we actually multiply by the reciprocal (that's a fancy word for "flipped" fraction) of the second fraction. It's like magic math!
How to Divide Fractions
1️⃣ Keep the first fraction the same
2️⃣ Change the division sign to multiplication
3️⃣ Flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal)
4️⃣ Multiply the numerators and denominators
5️⃣ Simplify your answer if possible
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: \(\frac{3}{4} \div \frac{1}{2}\)
Let's solve this step by step:
1. Keep the first fraction: \(\frac{3}{4}\)
2. Change ÷ to ×
3. Flip \(\frac{1}{2}\) to \(\frac{2}{1}\)
4. Now multiply: \(\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{2}{1} = \frac{6}{4}\)
5. Simplify: \(\frac{6}{4} = 1\frac{1}{2}\)
Answer: \(1\frac{1}{2}\)
Example 2: \(\frac{2}{5} \div \frac{3}{10}\)
Try solving this one yourself first, then check your answer!
1. Keep \(\frac{2}{5}\)
2. Change ÷ to ×
3. Flip \(\frac{3}{10}\) to \(\frac{10}{3}\)
4. Multiply: \(\frac{2}{5} \times \frac{10}{3} = \frac{20}{15}\)
5. Simplify: \(\frac{20}{15} = 1\frac{1}{3}\)
Answer: \(1\frac{1}{3}\)
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real-world examples: Show how dividing fractions applies to sharing pizza slices or dividing ingredients in recipes.
- Make it visual: Draw circles divided into fractions to help visualize what dividing fractions really means.
- Practice with games: Create fraction division flashcards or play "Fraction War" where you divide the fractions instead of comparing them.