Division of Fractional Numbers

Steps of Division of Fractional Numbers

Step1: If the fraction is a mixed fraction, convert it to improper fraction.

Step2: Write the first number as it is.

Step3: Replace “÷” by “x” sign.

Step4: Write the reciprocal of the other number.

Step5: Then simplify.

Note: Whole number means "number/1", so the reciprocal is "turning the number upside down".

Division of a fraction by a whole number

Rule: Fraction ÷ Whole number = Fraction x Reciprocal of whole number.

Example 1:  

Example 2:

First change mixed fraction into improper fraction.

(Simplify the fraction criss-cross and cross it out with a slash and write the new number next to it)

Division of whole number by a fractional number

Rule: Whole Number ÷ Fractional Number = Whole Number x Reciprocal of the Fractional Number.

Example 1:   

Example 2:   

Division of a fractional number

Rule: First Fractional Number ÷ Second Fractional Number = First Fractional Number x Reciprocal of Second Fractional Number.

Example 1: 

Example 2:

Properties of Division

1. When a fractional number is divided by 1, the quotient is the fraction itself.

Example: 

2. When 0 is divided by a non-zero fractional number, the quotient is 0.

Example:  

3. When any non-zero fractional number is divided by itself, the quotient is 1.

Example:

4. The reciprocal of zero does not exist. So we cannot divide any fractional number by zero.