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5th grade
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, start fraction, 1, divided by, 2, end fraction, divided by, start fraction, 1, divided by, 4, end fraction 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, start fraction, 1, divided by, 2, end fraction, divided by, start fraction, 1, divided by, 4, end fraction, equals, start fraction, 1, divided by, 2, end fraction, times, start fraction, 4, divided by, 1, end fraction, equals, 2.
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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 start fraction, 1, divided by, 2, end fraction, divided by, start fraction, 1, divided by, 4, end fraction 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, start fraction, 1, divided by, 2, end fraction, start fraction, 1, divided by, 3, end fraction, and start fraction, 1, divided by, 4, end fraction are all unit fractions.
When we divide a unit fraction by a whole number, we multiply the denominator by the whole number. For example, start fraction, 1, divided by, 2, end fraction, divided by, 2, equals, start fraction, 1, divided by, 4, end fraction.
When we divide a whole number by a unit fraction, we multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the unit fraction. For example, 2, divided by, start fraction, 1, divided by, 2, end fraction, equals, 2, times, start fraction, 2, divided by, 1, end fraction, equals, 4.
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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?
- Yeah It Just Takes A Lot Of Practice To Understand But If Anyone Has Any Questions I Can Help Answer Them Just Comment!(16 votes)
- Many people don't understand fractions. but it may be essential for later grades |Or stuff like cooking|(13 votes)
- upvote if you know how to convert frations.(9 votes)
- not so hard and not so easy! :)(5 votes)
- not so hard and not so easy! 😁 😎(5 votes)
- Everyone pls like so everyone can know this trick kcf
1/2 divided by 2/3 equals 2/1 multiply 3/2(6 votes)- Not sure what kcf is but 1/2 ÷ 2/3 does not equals to 2/1 ÷ 3/2.
Proof: 1/2 ÷ 2/3 = 1/2 x 3/2 = 3/4
2/1 x 3/2 = 6/2 (or) 3
Maybe you meant 1/2 divided by 2/3 equals 1/2 multiply 3/2
ie., keep (1/2) change sign (÷ into x) and flip numerator (2/3 into 3/2)
This makes sense more...(3 votes)
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