Dividing Fractions and Whole Numbers

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Example 1 Simple Fraction Division with a whole number

2		5
---	/		=	---
3

To divide , you multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction (the divisor). The reciprocal is the fraction flipped over. Put 5 over 1 and flip. Then use the rules of multiplying .

You may also cancel if possible. Remember to cancel you must factor a numerator with a denominator.

2		1		2
---	x	---	=	---
3		5		15

Since your answer is a proper fraction you do not have to change it to a mixed number.

Then reduce your answer if you do not cancel. The advantage to cancelling is that you do not have to reduce your answer when finished.