# Help Zone

### Student Question

Secondary I • 9mo.

Hello, I need help understanding and applying the division of fractions.

Thank you

Mathematics

## Explanations (1)

• Explanation from Alloprof

Explanation from Alloprof

This Explanation was submitted by a member of the Alloprof team.

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Team Alloprof • 9mo.

Hello you!

You have come to the right place. It will be a pleasure for Alloprof to give you some help.

Dividing fractions is simply reversing the second fraction in question – the numerator becomes the denominator and vice versa. This is known as the reversed fraction or reciprocal. You will multiply the numerator of the reciprocal with the numerator (s) of the other fraction(s). You will do the same for the denominators. In other terms, basically, dividing a fraction is exactly as multiplying by the reverse of the fraction, which is the reciprocal !

Example:

2/3 ÷ 4/2 = 2/3 x 2/4 = 4/12

(2 x2) / (3 x 4)

Reminder: The division is not commutative. Meaning that a ÷ b does not equal b ÷ a. This way, depending on which fraction you invert, you won't end up with the same answer even if the calculation has been properly formulated.

Looking forward to having the chance to help you in the future!