Fractions are numbers expressed as the ratio of two integers that describe part of a whole. The top number is referred to as the numerator and identifies part of the whole. The bottom number, or denominator, equates the number of parts the whole is divided into. Fractions are real numbers and as such are able undergo routine mathematical calculations including, but not limited to, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. For addition and subtraction, the numerator is the part of the fraction that participates as common denominators are required for the two calculations. Multiplication and division, however, are straightforward calculations that do not require a common denominator between fractions. The product of two fractions is found by simply multiplying the two numerators and denominators respectively. The process for dividing fractions utilizes this same process and is very simple to do.
Instructions
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1
Identify the two fractions that require division.
(1/2) / (3/4) = x
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2
Take the reciprocal, or inverse of one of the fractions. The reciprocal is found by switching the positions of the numerator and denominator. The reciprocal of (3/4) is (4/3).
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3
Find the product of the reciprocal and the other fraction. The normal procedure is followed for multiplication: multiply the numerators and denominators respectively.
(1/2)*(4/3) = (4/6)
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4
Reduce the resulting fraction if it is not already in lowest terms. The least common factor of (4/6) is 2. Dividing numerator and denominator by this value gives the final result as (2/3).