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In the last
lesson, you learned that dividing fractions is the
same thing as multiplying by the reciprocal. Why
does that work? |
Let's solve
the problem
2 ÷ ¼ using
fraction pieces.
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1
2 3 4
5 6 7 8
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There are eight
quarters in two wholes. The
corresponding equation is:
2
÷ ¼ = 8
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(Which is
the same as 2 x 4 = 8
and 4 is the reciprocal of ¼.) |
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Soooo....
2 ÷ ¼ =
2 x 4 = 8 |
Let's try another example of
dividing a whole number by a fraction!
3 ÷
1/3
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There are nine
thirds in three wholes. The
corresponding equation is:
3 ÷
1/3 = 9
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(Which is
the same as 3 x 3 = 9
and 3 is the reciprocal of 1/3.) |
Soooo....
3 ÷
1/3 =
3 x 3 = 9 |
OK, so those were
pictures showing whole numbers and a proper fraction. What about
division problems with two proper fractions?
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