Fraction Division

Opposite of Multiplication

The opposite number:

• Invert• Called the reciprocal•

3

4make invert to

4

3

To Divide

• Invert the second number

• Multiply

15

8

3

4

5

2

4

3

5

2

Steps

• Change Whole numbers and mixed numbers to improper fractions

• Invert the second fraction (the divisor) and multiply

• Cancel if you can• Multiply numerator by numerator and

denominator by denominator.

Examples

•

24

1

1

2

4

1

2

1

4

1

8

1

2

1

4

1

•

5

12

4

3

5

11

4

3

11

5

4

3

44

15

11

5

4

3

Word Problems

Commutative

• Multiplication is commutative• 3x4 = 4x3• Is division commutative?• NO!

Division

• The order matters• When working word problems, be careful

what order you write the problem.• The thing being split, cut, sorted, shared,

divided, or grouped goes first.• How many pieces or how big goes second.

• Chocolate is first as it is split.• Total divided by How Big is How Many.

• 8 containers.

3

2

3

15

2

3

3

168

1

1

1

8

Fran puts 5 1/3 lbs of chocolate in 2/3 lb containers. How many containers?

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