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If each of the five larger rectangles represents 1 unit, then each of the
1
smaller rectangles represents unit. So, the number of smaller
2
1
rectangles is the number of “collections” containing of an item that
2
1
Example 1 What is 2 ?
4
Solution Draw two rectangles, each divided into four equal parts.
Note to the Teacher At this point, consider having your students work
in groups and provide each group with several problems like the one
given in Example 1. Have the groups solve each problem by drawing a
model. Then have a classroom discussion to see if any students see a
pattern in the solutions to the problems. Lead the discussion to the
observation that in each problem the answer can be obtained by
multiplying the whole number by the denominator of the fraction.
4 5
• is the multiplicative inverse of .
5 4
2 7
• is the multiplicative inverse of .
7 2
8 3
• is the multiplicative inverse of .
3 8
1 7
Earlier it was stated that since 7 9 and 7 are both equal to ,
9 9
1 1
then 7 9 7 .
9
Also, we know that 9 and
9
are multiplicative
Dividing Fractions
We have just seen that division by a fraction is the same as
multiplication by the multiplicative inverse of that fraction, and that
the multiplicative inverse is found by inverting the fraction. So, when
dividing by a fraction, we need to invert the fraction and change the
division symbol to multiplication. Then we complete the
multiplication using the skills shown in Lesson 2-3.
2
Solution Change from dividing by to multiplying by its
7
7
multiplicative inverse, . Then multiply.
2
2 7
3
7
3
2
37
2
21 1
2
or 10
2
9
Example 3 Find 2 .
11
9 11
Solution 2
11
2
9
Change to multiplication by the
multiplicative inverse.
22 4
9
or 2
9
Write the improper fraction as a mixed
number.
2 3
Example 4 What is the value of
3
?
5
2 3 2 5
Solution
3
5
3
3
Multiply by the multiplicative inverse of
the divisor.
25
33
Multiply numerators and denominators
separately.
10 1
9
or 1
9
Write the improper fraction as a mixed
number.
3 5 3 6
Solution
7
6
7
5
Multiply by the multiplicative inverse of
the divisor.
36
75
Multiply numerators and denominators
separately.
18
35
Exercises
Find each quotient. Write in simplest form.
1 3 2 1 4 9
1. 3
7
21 2. 4
8
10
3
3.
5
9
20
7 4 7 2 1 5 5 1
4.
10
5
8
5.
3
8
12
6.
8
12
1
2
End of
Lesson