Are you finding the division of fractions hard to solve in your JAMB and WAEC mathematics question?
In this lesson…
You will learn the simple step-by-step method for solving division of fractions (simple and complex) in your WAEC and JAMB mathematics.
ALSO SEE: How To Solve The Multiplication Of Fractions (Simple Steps)
Take note.
A link for you to practice real past questions on fractions is included at the bottom of this lesson.
What are simple fractions?
These are fractions in which both the numerator and denominator are whole numbers.
EXAMPLE:
\dfrac{1}{6}
Sample question
Let’s take an example.
Simplify \frac{1}{6} ÷ 2\frac{1}{3}
1. Convert the mixed fraction to improper fraction
2\frac{1}{3}
becomes
\dfrac{7}{3}
2. Replace the mixed fraction in the question
Simplify \dfrac{1}{6} ÷ \dfrac{7}{3}
3. Flip the fraction on the right upside down
Numerator becomes the denominator and the denominator becomes the numerator.
\dfrac{1}{6} ÷ \dfrac{7}{3}
becomes
\dfrac{1}{6} ÷ \dfrac{3}{7}
4. Change the division sign to multiplication
\dfrac{1}{6} × \dfrac{3}{7}
5. Multiply the fractions
- Numerator multiply numerator
\frac{3}{6×7}- Denominator multiply denominator
\frac{3}{42}6. Reduce to its lowest form
\dfrac{3}{42}becomes
= \dfrac{1}{14}
What are complex fractions?
These are fractions in which the numerator or denominator contain another fraction.
EXAMPLE:
\dfrac{\frac{1}{6}}{2\frac{1}{3}}
Sample question
Let’s take the example.
Simplify \dfrac{\frac{1}{6}}{2\frac{1}{3}}
1. Replace the dash between the two fractions with a division sign
\dfrac{\frac{1}{6}}{2\frac{1}{3}}
becomes
\frac{1}{6} ÷ 2\frac{1}{3}
2. Convert the mixed fraction to improper fraction
2\frac{1}{3}
becomes
\dfrac{7}{3}
3. Replace the mixed fraction in the question
Simplify \dfrac{1}{6} ÷ \dfrac{7}{3}
4. Flip the fraction on the right upside down
Numerator becomes the denominator and the denominator becomes the numerator.
\dfrac{1}{6} ÷ \dfrac{3}{7}
5. Change the division sign to multiplication
\dfrac{1}{6} × \dfrac{3}{7}
6. Multiply the fractions
- Numerator multiply numerator
\frac{3}{6×7}- Denominator multiply denominator
\frac{3}{42}7. Reduce to its lowest form
\dfrac{3}{42}becomes
\dfrac{1}{14}
Classwork
Click on the link below to practice past questions on fractions now.
Practice Test
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