Dividing Fractions with Models

Front

What is a fraction?

Back

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). For example, 1/2 means one part out of two equal parts.

Front

What does it mean to divide fractions?

Back

Dividing fractions means finding out how many times one fraction fits into another. It involves multiplying by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

Front

What is the reciprocal of a fraction?

Back

The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.

Front

How do you divide 1/2 by 1/4 using models?

Back

To divide 1/2 by 1/4, you can use a model to show that 1/4 fits into 1/2 two times. So, 1/2 ÷ 1/4 = 2.

Front

What is the first step in dividing fractions?

Back

The first step in dividing fractions is to multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

Front

How do you represent 3/4 divided by 1/2 using a model?

Back

You can draw a rectangle divided into 4 equal parts, shade 3 parts for 3/4, and then show how many 1/2 sections fit into the shaded area.

Front

What is the formula for dividing fractions?

Back

The formula for dividing fractions is: a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c.

Front

What does it mean to multiply by the reciprocal?

Back

Multiplying by the reciprocal means to take a fraction and multiply it by another fraction that is flipped. For example, 2/3 × 3/2 = 1.

Front

Can you give an example of dividing mixed numbers?

Back

To divide mixed numbers, convert them to improper fractions first. For example, 2 1/2 ÷ 1 1/3 becomes 5/2 ÷ 4/3.

Front

What is a visual model for dividing fractions?

Back

A visual model can be a number line, area model, or set model that helps to illustrate how fractions are divided.