How to Divide Fractions

If you know how to "fly when you multiply" then you will have no problem learning how to divide fractions.  All we do is turn that division problem into a multiplication problem.

Turn a Division Problem into a Multiplication Problem

All we need to remember is COPY - CHANGE - FLIP. 

• COPY the first fraction exactly how it is.
• CHANGE the division sign to a multiplication sign.  becomes
• FLIP the second fraction.  The top becomes the bottom and the bottom becomes the top.

Once we've done the CCF, we can multiply the new problem using the fly technique.   That means that our answer in this problem would be

   which will of course reduce to  .

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Do you now see to how to divide fractions?  Remember, when you are multiplying and dividing you do NOT need a common denominator like you do when you add and subtract fractions. 

Return to other rules of fractions, or to the Grade A homepage for more great math help.