Dividing Fractions

Grade 6 Mathematics

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The Big Idea

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal!

When you divide, you're asking: "How many groups of [the divisor] fit into [the dividend]?"

Use the Keep-Change-Flip method to divide any fractions!

What is a Reciprocal?

The reciprocal is what you get when you FLIP a fraction upside down.

Reciprocal of 23 is 32 Reciprocal of 58 is 85 Reciprocal of 4 is 14

Keep - Change - Flip

K
KEEP
the first fraction
C
CHANGE
/ to x
F
FLIP
the second fraction

Example 1: Dividing Fractions

23 / 45 = ?
K

KEEP the first fraction: 23

C

CHANGE division (/) to multiplication (x)

F

FLIP the second fraction: 45 becomes 54

23 x 54 = 2 x 53 x 4 = 1012 = 56

Example 2: Dividing with Mixed Numbers

112 / 34 = ?
1

First, convert mixed number to improper: 1 1/2 = 3/2

2

Now use Keep-Change-Flip: 3/2 / 3/4 = 3/2 x 4/3

32 x 43 = 126 = 2

TRAP ALERT: Don't Flip the Wrong Fraction!

WRONG: 2/3 / 4/5 = 3/2 x 4/5 (Flipped the first fraction - INCORRECT!)

RIGHT: 2/3 / 4/5 = 2/3 x 5/4 (Flip only the SECOND fraction!)

Your Turn: Divide These Fractions

1. 34 / 12 = 34 x =

2. 56 / 23 =

Keep: _____ Change: / to x Flip: _____

3. 45 / 25 =

4. 214 / 38 =

First convert: 2 1/4 = _____

Remember the Steps!