Divide a Fraction by a Whole Number

Divide a Fraction by a Whole Number

When you divide a fraction by a whole number, you are finding how much of the fraction remains after splitting it into equal groups.

Method

1. Keep the fraction the same and change the whole number into a fraction.
2. Multiply by the reciprocal of the whole number.
   • Example: ( \frac{a}{b} \div n = \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{1}{n} )
3. Multiply numerators and denominators.
4. Simplify the result if possible.

Example

( \frac{3}{4} \div 2 = \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{8} )

Check your answer

Multiply your result by the whole number to see if you get the original fraction back: ( \frac{3}{8} \times 2 = \frac{3}{4} )

Tip

If the fraction is already simplified, keep it that way unless the final answer can be reduced. Always give an exact simplified answer.