Dividing Simple Fractions: Problem 1

Rule 14: To divide one fraction by a second fraction, convert the problem to multiplication and multiply the two fractions.

1.

Change the sign to and invert the fraction to the right of the sign.

2.

Multiply the numerators.

3.

Multiply the denominators.

4.

Reduce the results. (See Rule 10)

a.: Factor the product of the numerators.
b.: Factor the product of the denominators.
c.

Problem 1: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline123 and reduce your answer.

Answer: The answer is

Solution: Change the division sign to multiplication and invert the fraction to the right of the sign.

Multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators, and leave the product in factored form.

Factor the numerator and the denominator and look for the fractions that have a value of 1.

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Check: Check you answer with your calculator. Calculate 16 divided by 80, 7 divided by 20, and divide the first answer by the second answer. Calculate 4 divided by 7. If the answers are the same, you have worked the problem correctly.

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Author: Nancy Marcus