Dividing Fractions

The opposite of multiplying fractions

Multiply these fractions

• Don’t forget to reduce to simplest form when necessary

1 2

2 3

2 7

7 8

5 1

8 4

5 1 5

8 4 32

1 2 2

2 3 6

2 7 14

7 8 56

1

3

1

4

What’s the opposite of addition?

Subtraction, of course

What’s the opposite of multiplication?

Remind yourself that when multiplying fractions, make them

look like opposites.Here’s how…

Division

If you were to multiply these two fractions.

You would multiply the top

Then you’d multiply the bottom

BUT to divide these two fractions, you rewrite to make division look opposite.

3 1

4 3

3 1

4 3

3 3

4 1

opposite opposite

Let’s take a closer look.

Compare the first fraction in each statement.

How has the SECOND fraction been changed?

RULE: To divide fractions, rewrite into a multiplication statement flipping the second fraction.

3 1

4 3

3 3

4 1

oppositeopposite

Let’s see what happens

If this is correct, then this should work…

3 1

4 3 3 3

4 1

9

44 9

2

-81

1

4

1 9

3 4

9

12

Divide top and bottomby three

3

4

Let’s start by rewriting division as multiplication.

Remember, you can make whole numbers into fractions using one on the bottom.

5 1

6 3

2 3

3 4

34

8

5 3

6 1

2 4

3 3

3 4 3 4

8 1 8 1

Let’s rewrite division as multiplication on the first three problems from your

worksheet.Now just

multiply and simplify the new problem.

3 2

4 3

5 1

9 3

3 3

4 2

5 3

9 1

2 5

3 9 2 9

3 5

9

8simplify

15

9simplify

18

15simplify

Complete WS F5