Let's Review
Dividing fractions uses some of the same steps as multiplying fractions. The steps are shown below.
- Set up the division problem
- Use skip-dot-flip
- Cross-cancel the fractions as needed.
- Multiply the numerators and then multiply the denominators.
- Make sure that your answer is in simplest form.
Think you got it?
How well can you divide fractions? Use the activity below to practice. Answer the question on each tab and check your answers.
Divide the fraction \( \frac{48}{9} \) by 6.
\( \frac{8}{9} \)
If you need help arriving at this answer, click the solution button.
Set up the division problem. |
\( \frac{48}{9} \ \div\ \frac{6}{1} \) |
Use skip-dot-flip. |
\( \frac{48}{9} \cdot \frac{1}{6} \) |
Cross-cancel as needed. |
\( \frac{\overset{8}{\cancel{48}}}{9} \cdot \frac{1}{\underset{1}{\cancel{6}}} \) |
Multiply the numerators and then multiply the denominators. This answer is already in simplest form. |
\( \frac{8}{9} \cdot \frac{1}{1} = \frac{8}{9} \) |
What is the quotient of \( \frac{9}{4} \) and \( \frac{3}{2} \)?
\( \frac{3}{2} \)
If you need help arriving at this answer, click the solution button.
Set up the division problem. |
\( \frac{9}{4} \ \div\ \frac{3}{2} \) |
Use skip-dot-flip. |
\( \frac{9}{4} \cdot \frac{2}{3} \) |
Cross-cancel as needed. |
\( \frac{\overset{3}{\cancel{9}}}{\underset{2}{\cancel{4}}} \cdot \frac{\overset{1}{\cancel{2}}}{\underset{1}{\cancel{3}}} \) |
Multiply the numerators and then multiply the denominators. This answer is already in simplest form. |
\( \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{1} = \frac{3}{2} \) |
A zoo groundskeeper is building a custom gate for the wallaby exhibit. She will construct the gate using planks of wood that are each \( \frac{5}{4} \) feet wide.
If the gate is to be 10 feet wide, how many planks of wood will the groundskeeper need?
8 planks of wood
If you need help arriving at this answer, click the solution button.
To solve this problem, you will need to divide the total width of the fence by the width of each plank. |
\( \frac{10}{1} \ \div\ \frac{5}{4} \) |
Use skip-dot-flip. |
\( \frac{10}{1} \cdot \frac{4}{5} \) |
Cross-cancel as needed. |
\( \frac{\overset{2}{\cancel{10}}}{1} \cdot \frac{4}{\underset{1}{\cancel{5}}} \) |
Multiply the numerators and then multiply the denominators. |
\( \frac{2}{1} \cdot \frac{4}{1} = \frac{8}{1} \) |
Make sure that your answer is in simplest form. |
\( \frac{8}{1} = 8 \) |
