Dividing fractions, step by step
Dividing fractions feels strange until you learn the trick that turns it into multiplication.
The question
÷
- 4/5 ÷ 3/8 is asking a question: how many 3/8s fit inside 4/5?
- Lay 3/8 against it and see how many times it goes.
- 2 whole pieces and 2/15 of another fits — so 4/5 ÷ 3/8 = 32/15.
- Now try multiplying by 8/3 — 3/8 turned over. It lands on the same number.
- That is all turning it over does — the two questions are the same question, so either way of writing it will do. 4/5 ÷ 3/8 = 32/15.
How it works.
- 01
4/5 ÷ 3/8 is asking a question: how many 3/8s fit inside 4/5?
- 02
Lay 3/8 against it and see how many times it goes.
- 03
2 whole pieces and 2/15 of another fits — so 4/5 ÷ 3/8 = 32/15.
- 04
Now try multiplying by 8/3 — 3/8 turned over. It lands on the same number.
- 05
That is all turning it over does — the two questions are the same question, so either way of writing it will do. 4/5 ÷ 3/8 = 32/15.