How do you divide a whole number by a fraction?

Answer 1

To divide a whole number by a fraction, multiply the inverted fraction by the whole number.

Example: 5 divided by 3/4 = 5 * 4/3 = 20 / 3 = 6 2/3

Multiply by its reciprocal.

2/5 divided by 3/4 = 2/5 x 4/3

Invert the fraction and multiply.

4 / 1/2= ? 4 x 2/1 = 8

Answer 2

A whole number is the same as a fraction with itself as the numerator and a denominator of 1.

For example 5 = 5/1

By doing this you now have two fractions which can be divided in the normal way.

For example: 5 ÷ 2/3 = 5/1 ÷ 2/3 = 5/1 × 3/2 = (5×3)/(1×2) = 15/2 = 7½

Answer 3

A whole number is the same as that number written as the numerator over a denominator of 1. eg 4 = 4/1

You now have two fractions which you can divide using the normal method by inverting the divisor, which in this case results in 1 over the whole number.

For example 2/3 ÷ 5 = 2/3 ÷ 5/1 = 2/3 × 1/5 = 2/(3×5) = 2/15

From this you should be able to spot a short cut: to divide a fraction by a whole number multiply the denominator by the whole number, leaving the numerator alone (but don't forget to simplify the result).

For example 2/3 ÷ 5 = 2/(3×5) = 2/15.

For example 2/3 ÷ 6 = 2/(3×6) = 2/18 = 1/9

Answer 4

you have to make the whole number into a fraction with the same denominator.

Answer 5

Turn the whole number into a fraction by putting 1 underneath it. Then divide.

Answer 6

You take the inverse fraction; for example:

1/(1/2)=1x2

because

1/2-1=1(2)/1=2