If you don’t know how to divide fractions with whole numbers, then today, StepsHowTo will help you to sort out the easiest way for dividing fractions. The method of dividing fractions by whole numbers is not as simple as it appears. Even though you’re dividing whole numbers, using a multiplication sign is the most efficient way to handle these types of arithmetic problems. We will see a basic procedure about how to divide fractions with whole numbers. Also see related topics like Drawing Animals from Numbers 0-5, How to Play Football Squares, Teach Figurative Language to Kids, and others in Education and Communication Category.
How Does Fraction Division Work?
Let's learn how to divide fractions before discussing why dividing fractions with whole numbers necessitates multiplying fractions. You must flip or invert fractions whenever you are asked to divide them. An example is 3/5 % ½. As you can see, multiplying the numerator (the top part of the fraction) by 2 is the same as dividing the first fraction by the second fraction of one-half.
The numerator and denominator shift their position for the second value and invert with each other which makes the equation look like 3/5 % 2/1. As a result, you will get 3/5 % 2/1 = 6/5. The numerator is larger than the denominator, resulting in an incorrect. It's also possible to convert this improper fraction to a mixed number. As a result, 6/5 and 1 1/5 are equal fractions.
How to Divide Fractions with Whole Numbers – 12 Easy Steps
Dividing fractions with whole numbers is pretty simple once you learn how to divide a whole number by a fraction. The procedure is simple which involves multiplying whole numbers by fractions and dividing fractions by whole numbers. You can continue with these basic steps.
Step 1 Consider an Example
Consider an example of having a value of 1/3 % 4. You have to remember the rule of Keep, Switch, and Flip. The first step for you is “Keep” which means we will keep the first fraction as it is.
Step 2 Switch the division
Then we switch the division “%” into multiplication “X” in the second step. It is the opposite of division which will be the reason for you to also switch the second value of the fraction.
Step 3 Flip
Then we go to the step Flip which will be used for the second fraction in the equation that is “4”. You might be thinking 4 is a whole number and how would you flip it. It's pretty simple because whenever we want to get a fraction for a whole number, we simply have to put 1 under that number.
Step 4Put 1
Your equation should look like this after putting 1 under the 4. You will get 1/3 x 4/1.You have to flip the second fraction to get ¼. This will change the nominator and the denominator. You will get 4 as the denominator and 1 will become the nominator.
Step 5Set up problem
The equation will look like 1/3 x ¼ so our problem is set up which means both the fractions can now easily be multiplied with one another.
Step 6 Multiply
Multiple the numbers for which you will get 1/12 as 1x1 = 1 and 3x4 = 12. This fraction cant is simplified further which means we are done solving this fraction here.
Step 7Equation # 3
Now let’s take a little complicated example here for equation # 3 in the given picture. You have to repeat Keep, Switch and Flip technique here too. The equation is 2/8 % 5.
Step 8 Switch into Multiplication
For this equation, you can keep 2/8 and then switch % into multiplication which means X in the center of both equations.
Step 9 Flip Whole number
Then the second value is 5 which is a whole number. You have to flip this number and get a fraction 1/5.
Step 10 Multiply the Fractions
The problem is set up so you are allowed to multiply the fractions with one another. This should be like 2x1 = 2, and 8x5 = 40. You will get 2/40.
Step 11 Divide
As the greatest common factor here is 2 instead of 1 between 2 and 40, this means we can divide 2 and 40 both with 2 to solve the fraction. This will divide the fraction so that we get a final answer.
Step 12 Correct answer
You will see that 2%2 = 1, and 40%2 = 20. This means you get 1/20 as your simplified correct answer. This is how to divide fractions with whole numbers. You can choose to perform the same steps for given examples 2 and 4. They follow the same procedure.
Multiplying is the simplest method and dividing fractions is actually the second most straightforward operation. All you have to do is multiply the answer numerator across the top and the answer denominator across the bottom. Using the reciprocal (which simply means to flip a fraction) of the second fraction and changing the operation to multiply is all that is required for dividing.
Remember to simplify your answer whenever it is required. Rephrase the problem given in the equation so that all of the numbers are fractions. This will make things easy for you. Change the division sign to a multiplication sign on the second fraction. Then you can multiply the numerators first, and go for the denominators afterward. If necessary, simplify the process to reduce the equation so that you can solve it easily. Then you follow 'Flip and Multiply'.
Example of Dividing Fractions: 2/3 ÷ 3/5
- The steps for this equation are simple as they are already in fraction form.
- Flip the second fraction while also switching the divide operation with the multiplication 'x'.
- To get the fraction 10/9, multiply the numerators (2x5) and denominators (3x3) across the top and bottom.
- 1 1/9 simplifies the answer.
Remember that we learn to multiply and then divide; hence, the divide is the 'second' fraction. The 'second' fraction is reverse because we're dividing.
Conclusion
This was an easy guide on how to divide fractions with whole numbers. Find the answer to any equation related to "how to divide fractions" are listed here. It only takes a few steps of dividing decimals in some cases but that may be a bit challenging. In this case, the ideal procedure is shared. For more queries on the whole numbers divided by fractions, you can watch the video given in the link at the end of this discussion.
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