In grades 5 and 6, students learn how to multiply and divide fractions. Below we are going to tackle dividing a fraction by a fraction. It can be tricky to learn, but with some simple rules to follow, students can master these equations.
There is more than one method to divide fractions. The most commonly used is what is called “invert and multiply”. Here’s how that works:
Dividing fractions – invert and multiply
In dividing fractions you take the reciprocal (invert the fraction) of the divisor and multiply the dividend.
It’s easier to understand this visually. Here’s how that looks:
Let’s divide two fractions: 4/5 ÷ 2/3
Invert the fraction that you are dividing by:
Multiply the numerators and denominators:
Now simplify the fraction:
Dividing fractions – common denominator
A longer way, and possibly more correct way, is to divide with common denominators. This means we need to make the denominators of both fractions the same.
In our example:
Find a common denominators and convert each fraction to its equivalent value:
Now that the denominators are the same, we can divide the numerators:
Simplify the fraction:
If you are looking for worksheets to practice dividing fractions, you can find them in our grade 5 and grade 6 math sections for dividing fractions.
