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# Dividing fractions: 3/5 ÷ 1/2

Dividing two fractions is the same as multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The first step to dividing fractions is to find the reciprocal (reverse the numerator and denominator) of the second fraction. Next, multiply the two numerators. Then, multiply the two denominators. Finally, simplify the fractions if needed. Created by Sal Khan and Monterey Institute for Technology and Education.

## Want to join the conversation?

• when you are dividing with mixed numbers do you turn them into improper fractions like when you are multiplying with mixed numbers?
• It is very similar. The main difference between multiplying and dividing is that you change it to the reciprocal. The reciprocal is what you multiply the number by to make it 1. For example, 5/3 divided by 2/3 would be the same as 5/3 * 3/2.
• How do you divide fractions that include whole numbers with fractions?
• If you mean perfect fractions it would be best to turn them into an improper fraction first. So if you were to solve for 2/3 ÷ by 2 1/2 then turn it into 2/3 ÷ 5/2 then take the recipricol 2/3 X 2/5 = 4/15
• How do you divide a positive by a negative?
I hope you can help please do.
• It's the same as multiplying and dividing whole numbers. Ignore the positive or negative sign until you have your answer and then follow the rules: +*+=+; -*-=+; +*-=-; -*+=-; same for divide.
eg
-3/4*-1/2=3/8 (-*-=+).
3/4*-1/2=-3/8 (+*-=-).
-3/4*1/2=-3/8 (-*+=-).
3/4*1/2=-3/8 (+*+=+).
Hope that helps and I haven't confused you even more.
• how if its 1/3 divided by 4
• Well, since 4 = 4/1, you are asking what is 1/3 divided by 4/1. To divide with fractions, you swap the numerator and denominator on the second number, so that is 1/3 times 1/4. 1x1 is 1 and 3x4 is 12, so 1/3 divided by 4= 1/12
• Will you only and always just use the reciprocal of the second fraction?? Please help...Have a test on this soon!! ( If you need me to clarify pls let me know!!) Thanks!!☺️
• Yes, only the reciprocal of the second fraction is used. For instance, 3/5 ÷ 1/2 = 1 1/5, which is not the same as 5/3 ÷ 1/2 = 3 1/3 or 5/3 ÷ 2/1 = 5/6.
• I don't understand -. why do you need the multiplication sign when you can put that there in the first place and what is a reciprocal in mixed numbers, example you are solving 1 2/3 divided by 1 3/4 (IF! because I don't understand this) what is the reciprocal of 1 3/4?? please explain this to me!!
• I'm not sure what you mean by "when you can put that there in the first place" but I think i can explain mixed numbers.

There's no easy way to get a reciprocal with mixed numbers as far as I'm aware. So you want to turn any mixed numbers into impoper fractions. In fact, as you get into higher math you use mixed numbers less and less and improper fractions more and more, to the point I just automatically turn all mixed numbers into improper fractions most of the time.

Anyway, as a quick demonstration I'll turn the two numbers you gave into improper fractions and give their reciprocal.

1 2/3 = 3/3 + 2/3 = 5/3 so the reciprocal is 3/5

1 3/4 = 4/4 + 3/4 = 7/4 so the reciprocal is 4/7

If you wanna work through your other question I'd be happy to, otherwise hope that helps.
• when dividing fractions how do you do it with a whole number
• when there is a whole number you change like if it is 4's then change it to 4/4
• such old comments makes me feel super young :C
• Indeed. Holy heck, there are comments from 11 years! This is a very old website.
• This is a bit unrelated, but it applies to a certain facet of a problem. Does a fraction need to be simplified before you add/subtract/multiply/divide it with another fraction?
For example, 3/8 x 2 - 1/4. Using the PEMDAS method, we multiply 3/8 x 2 first.This equals 6/8. Now, does this 6/8 need to be simplified before we subtract it by 1/4?