RECIPROCALS AND DIVISION OF FRACTIONS
Sometimes when we divide fractions, the answer will be larger than either of the numbers being divided. That seems strange for division, but when fractions are involved, it can happen.
In division we use reciprocals. The reciprocal of a fraction is its inverse. The product of a fraction and its reciprocal is one. For example: the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2 because 2/3 times 3/2 equals one.
To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
Write fraction answers using the form in these examples.
Example 1: two-thirds is written as 2/3.
Example 2: five and three fourths is written as 5 3/4.
Reciprocals
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 Click on the icon to find and practice topics for this unit. |
| Dividing Fractions |
| Dividing Fractions and Whole Numbers |