fractionsDecimals · Year 7 · Suggested learning sequence
Divide fractions
Dividing asks how many of one thing fit into another. How many quarters fit in 3? Each whole has 4 quarters, so 3 ÷ 1/4 = 12. Dividing a fraction by a whole number shares it: 3/4 ÷ 2 = 3/8. For any division by a fraction, keep the first number, change ÷ to ×, and flip the second: 2/3 ÷ 3/4 = 2/3 × 4/3 = 8/9.
Sample questions
How many eighths are in 6? 6 ÷ 1/8 = ?
- Each whole has 8 eighths.
- 6 wholes have 6 × 8 = 48 eighths.
- 6 ÷ 1/8 = 48
Answer: 48
How many fifths are in 2? 2 ÷ 1/5 = ?
- Each whole has 5 fifths.
- 2 wholes have 2 × 5 = 10 fifths.
- 2 ÷ 1/5 = 10
Answer: 10
How many eighths are in 3? 3 ÷ 1/8 = ?
- Each whole has 8 eighths.
- 3 wholes have 3 × 8 = 24 eighths.
- 3 ÷ 1/8 = 24
Answer: 24