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Course: 5th grade > Unit 7
Lesson 5: Dividing fractions and whole numbers word problemsDivide fractions: FAQ
Frequently asked questions about dividing fractions.
What does it mean to divide fractions?
When we divide one fraction by another, we're finding out how many times one fraction fits into another. For example, tells us how many one-fourths are in one-half.
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How is dividing fractions related to multiplying fractions?
When we divide fractions, we can use the reciprocal of the divisor (the fraction we are dividing by) to multiply instead.
For example, .
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How can we use visuals to help us understand fraction division?
We can use pictures, models, or diagrams to show how dividing fractions works. For example, we can show by drawing a half circle and dividing it into four equal parts to see that there are two one-fourths in one-half.
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What is a unit fraction and how do we divide with them?
A unit fraction is a fraction with a numerator of 1. For example, , , and are all unit fractions.
When we divide a unit fraction by a whole number, we multiply the denominator by the whole number. For example, .
When we divide a whole number by a unit fraction, we multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the unit fraction. For example, .
Try it yourself with these exercises:
What are some common mistakes people make when dividing fractions?
Some common mistakes include:
- forgetting to find the reciprocal of the divisor when using the multiplication method
- dividing the numerators instead of multiplying them when using the multiplication method
- forgetting to simplify the answer when possible
Want to join the conversation?
- Soo I have a question... What's the point of having FAQ's if The guy Sal explains about the subject in the videos? (Please press the vote button thingy thing fur me)(6 votes)
- To ask any questions that Sal hasn't covered(2 votes)
- Fractions are ez. you just have to practice alot!(5 votes)
- Excuse me but I don't quite understand how to do these equations because he never tells us a technique he just shows us rectangles but there are no rectangles onto he questions just division 🤔 can someone please help me?(3 votes)
- i love fractions and(3 votes)
- Bookmoarked this Article. Honesltly very well explained.
Thank you Lord Khan(3 votes) - thank you so much khan academy(2 votes)
- I like how he works out some problems in some of the videos
to show us how to solve it. But then, after I watch the video and move on to the practice after it, it shows the same problems he showed how to solve in the video. Does he do that on purpose?(2 votes)- He doesn't do it on purpose, he just solves the problems on khan academy, then, sometimes it is the same as yours(1 vote)
- IDK why dividing fractions with whole numbers is so hard.
Also Happy St Patricks Day!(2 votes) - I'm new, but I get it.(1 vote)