How to do Fraction Division with Whole Numbers?

Dividing fractions with whole numbers involves converting the whole number into a fraction and then applying the rules of fraction division.

Steps for Dividing Fractions with Whole Numbers

Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the reference provided, "How to Divide a Whole Number by a Fraction | Math with Mr. J - YouTube":

1. Convert the Whole Number to a Fraction: To convert a whole number into a fraction, place the whole number over 1. This doesn't change the value of the number but expresses it as a fraction (numerator and denominator). For example, 2 becomes 2/1 (Reference: 1:07-4:32).

   • Example: Convert 5 to a fraction: 5/1

2. Keep, Change, Flip: This is a common mnemonic to remember the steps for dividing fractions.

   • Keep: Keep the first fraction as it is.
   • Change: Change the division sign to a multiplication sign.
   • Flip: Flip the second fraction (the one you are dividing by) by swapping the numerator and the denominator. This is also known as finding the reciprocal.

3. Multiply the Fractions: Multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator, and multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator.

4. Simplify the Result: If possible, simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms.

Example

Let's divide the whole number 4 by the fraction 2/3.

1. Convert the whole number to a fraction: 4 becomes 4/1.
2. Keep, Change, Flip:
   • Keep: 4/1
   • Change: ÷ becomes ×
   • Flip: 2/3 becomes 3/2
   • So, the problem becomes: 4/1 × 3/2
3. Multiply the fractions:
   • (4 × 3) / (1 × 2) = 12/2
4. Simplify the result:
   • 12/2 simplifies to 6.

Therefore, 4 ÷ 2/3 = 6.