DISCUSSION:

►In dividing a fraction by another fraction. Multiply the dividend by the reciprocal of the divisor.

Reciprocal is the multiplicative inverse of the fraction. If the final answer is an improper fraction,
change it to a whole number or mixed number.

►To divide a fraction by another fraction:

● Get the reciprocal of the divisor.
● Change the division sign into a multiplication sign.
● Then proceed to multiplication of fractions Use cancellations, if necessary.
● Write the product of the numerators over the product of the denominators and reduce
the fractions if needed.

3 1
Ex.
7
÷ 2

3 1
= ÷ → get the reciprocal of the divisor
7 2
3 2
= x → change the division sign into multiplication, then proceed to multiplication
7 1
3 2
= x → proceed to multiplication
7 1
3 2 6
= x =
7 1 7

3 3
Another example: ÷
8 5

3 5
= ÷ → get the reciprocal of the divisor
8 3

3 5
= x → Change the division sign into multiplication, proceed to multiplication
8 3

3 5 15
= x =
8 3 24

15 3 5
= ÷ = Reduce the fraction if possible.
24 3 8
►To divide a whole number and a fraction and vice versa:
● Rename the whole number in fraction form.
● Get the reciprocal of the divisor.
● Change the division sign into a multiplication sign, then proceed to Multiplication of
fractions.
● Write the product of the numerators over the product of the denominators;
● and reduce the fractions if needed.

1
Ex. 2 ÷ 4
2 1
= ÷ → rename the whole number in fraction form
1 4

2 4
= ÷ → get the reciprocal of the divisor
1 1

2 4
= x → Change the division sign into multiplication, then proceed to multiplication
1 1

2 4 8
= x = =8
1 1 1

►In dividing a mixed number by another mixed number:

● Change the mixed numbers into improper fractions.
● Then multiply the dividend by the reciprocal of the divisor.
● The reciprocal is the multiplicative inverse of a number.
● Simplify the quotient to its simplest form or lowest terms.

Ex. 6¼÷2½

Change 6 ¼ and 2 ½ to improper fractions. How will you change them?

 25 5 5 2
6¼÷2½→ 4 ÷ 2 The reciprocal of 2 is 5 .
25 5 25 2 5 0 10 5
6¼÷2½= 4÷ 2 = 4 x 5 = ÷
2 0 10 = 2 or 2 ½

APPLICATION:

Perform the following operations. Express your answer in the simplest form.

2 6
1. ÷
1 3

3 7
2.
2
÷ 4

1
3. 2 ÷
4

1
4. 5 ÷
4

1 1
5. 3 ÷2
2 4

2 1
6. ×
4 6

7.

8.

9.

10.