How do you divide a fraction by a whole number? This is a common question that arises when working with fractions in mathematics. Dividing a fraction by a whole number might seem tricky at first, but with a few simple steps, you can easily master this concept. In this article, we will explore the process of dividing a fraction by a whole number and provide you with some helpful examples to illustrate the method.
Dividing a fraction by a whole number involves converting the whole number into a fraction with a denominator of 1. This is because any number divided by 1 is equal to itself. Once you have both numbers in fraction form, you can then divide the numerators of the fractions while keeping the denominator of the first fraction.
Let’s take a look at an example to better understand this process. Suppose we want to divide the fraction 3/4 by the whole number 2.
First, we convert the whole number 2 into a fraction with a denominator of 1, which is simply 2/1.
Now we have the following equation:
3/4 ÷ 2/1
To divide fractions, we multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The reciprocal of a fraction is found by flipping the numerator and denominator. In this case, the reciprocal of 2/1 is 1/2.
So, our equation becomes:
3/4 × 1/2
Next, we multiply the numerators (3 × 1) and the denominators (4 × 2) to get the result:
3/4 × 1/2 = 3/8
Therefore, when dividing the fraction 3/4 by the whole number 2, the result is 3/8.
In summary, to divide a fraction by a whole number, follow these steps:
1. Convert the whole number into a fraction with a denominator of 1.
2. Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
3. Multiply the numerators and denominators of the resulting fraction to get the final answer.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to divide fractions by whole numbers with ease. Remember to practice with different examples to reinforce your understanding of this concept.
