Dividing Fractions

How to Divide Fractions

We often talk of dividing as being the reverse of multiplying, and indeed when dividing fractions this is the case. The way you divide fractions is very similar to the way fractions are multiplied with a simple twist in the middle.

Start by following the basic process for fraction multiplication, turning any mixed fractions into improper ones. Before you cross cancel or multiply, however, swap the numerator and the denominator in the second fraction. This is called taking the reciprocal and it is the key step to turn this into a division operation. Then, cross cancel, multiply across to get the answer fraction, and reduce.

Like the other worksheet sets, these dividing fractions worksheets come in varying levels of difficulty. There are problems that are designed to exercise your cross-cancelling skills, and the answer keys on these worksheets provide detailed breakdowns of how the cross-cancelling works for each problem. Other worksheets include problems with mixed fractions (whole values).

If the answer keys don't provide sufficient help to illustrate the concepts needed for dividing fractions, please make use of the fraction calculator. It will break down the steps in more detail and help you master fraction division in no time!