Key Points

✓To divide fractions, you multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
✓The reciprocal of a fraction is found by flipping the numerator and denominator.
✓Keep the first fraction the same, change the division to multiplication, and flip the second fraction.
✓Multiply the numerators and denominators after applying 'keep, change, flip'.
✓Simplify your final answer to its lowest terms.

Dividing fractions might seem tricky, but it's easier than you think! When you divide by a fraction, you're actually multiplying by its reciprocal. The reciprocal is just the fraction flipped upside down. So, to divide fractions, you 'keep' the first fraction the same, 'change' the division sign to multiplication, and 'flip' the second fraction (find its reciprocal). Then, just multiply the numerators and the denominators like you normally would when multiplying fractions. Simplify your answer if needed!

Worked Example

What is 2/3 ÷ 1/2?

Step 1: Keep the first fraction: 2/3
Step 2: Change the division to multiplication: ÷ becomes ×
Step 3: Flip the second fraction (1/2 becomes 2/1):
Step 4: Multiply the fractions: (2/3) × (2/1) = (2×2)/(3×1)
Step 5: Simplify: 4/3

Answer: 4/3 or 1 1/3

Try It Yourself

1. What is 1/4 ÷ 1/2?

2. What is 3/5 ÷ 2/3?

3. What is 5/8 ÷ 3/4 ÷ 1/2?

Watch Out For These Mistakes

Forgetting to flip the second fraction.
Flipping the first fraction instead of the second.
Multiplying straight across without finding the reciprocal.