To divide fractions with different denominators, you essentially flip the second fraction (the divisor) and then multiply. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
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Find the Reciprocal of the Second Fraction: This means you invert the fraction, switching the numerator and the denominator. This is also known as finding the multiplicative inverse. For example, the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2.
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Multiply the First Fraction by the Reciprocal: Once you've found the reciprocal of the second fraction, you change the division problem into a multiplication problem. Multiply the first fraction by this reciprocal.
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Multiply the Numerators: Multiply the numerators (the top numbers) of the two fractions together. This gives you the numerator of your answer.
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Multiply the Denominators: Multiply the denominators (the bottom numbers) of the two fractions together. This gives you the denominator of your answer.
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Simplify the Fraction (if possible): Reduce the resulting fraction to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).
Example:
Let's say you want to divide 1/2 by 2/3.
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Find the reciprocal of 2/3: The reciprocal is 3/2.
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Multiply 1/2 by 3/2: So, the problem becomes (1/2) * (3/2).
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Multiply the numerators: 1 * 3 = 3
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Multiply the denominators: 2 * 2 = 4
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Result: The answer is 3/4. This fraction is already in its simplest form.
Therefore, 1/2 รท 2/3 = 3/4.
