Multiply and Divide Fractions

4.2 Multiply and Divide Fractions

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Simplify fractions
Multiply fractions
Find reciprocals
Divide fractions

Be Prepared 4.3

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

Find the prime factorization of $48 .$
If you missed this problem, review Example 2.48.

Be Prepared 4.4

Draw a model of the fraction $\frac{3}{4} .$
If you missed this problem, review Example 4.2.

Be Prepared 4.5

Find two fractions equivalent to $\frac{5}{6} .$
If you missed this problem, review Example 4.14.

Simplify Fractions

In working with equivalent fractions, you saw that there are many ways to write fractions that have the same value, or represent the same part of the whole. How do you know which one to use? Often, we’ll use the fraction that is in simplified form.

A fraction is considered simplified if there are no common factors, other than $1,$ in the numerator and denominator. If a fraction does have common factors in the numerator and denominator, we can reduce the fraction to its simplified form by removing the common factors.

Simplified Fraction

A fraction is considered simplified if there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator.

For example,

$\frac{2}{3}$ is simplified because there are no common factors of $2$ and $3 .$
$\frac{10}{15}$ is not simplified because $5$ is a common factor of $10$ and $15 .$

The process of simplifying a fraction is often called reducing the fraction. In the previous section, we used the Equivalent Fractions Property to find equivalent fractions. We can also use the Equivalent Fractions Property in reverse to simplify fractions. We rewrite the property to show both forms together.

Equivalent Fractions Property

If $a, b, c$ are numbers where $b \neq 0, c \neq 0,$ then

\frac{a}{b} = \frac{a \cdot c}{b \cdot c} and \frac{a \cdot c}{b \cdot c} = \frac{a}{b} .

Notice that $c$ is a common factor in the numerator and denominator. Anytime we have a common factor in the numerator and denominator, it can be removed.

How To

Simplify a fraction.

Step 1. Rewrite the numerator and denominator to show the common factors. If needed, factor the numerator and denominator into prime numbers.
Step 2. Simplify, using the equivalent fractions property, by removing common factors.
Step 3. Multiply any remaining factors.

Example 4.19

Simplify: $\frac{10}{15} .$

Solution

To simplify the fraction, we look for any common factors in the numerator and the denominator.

Notice that 5 is a factor of both 10 and 15.	$\frac{10}{15}$
Factor the numerator and denominator.	$A fraction showing (2 multiplied by 5) divided by (3 multiplied by 5), where the common factor '5' is highlighted in red, demonstrating potential simplification.$
Remove the common factors.	$This image illustrates the simplification of a fraction by canceling out a common factor 'x' from both the numerator (2x) and the denominator (3x), resulting in 2/3.$
Simplify.	$\frac{2}{3}$

Try It 4.37

Simplify: $\frac{8}{12}$ .

Try It 4.38

Simplify: $\frac{12}{16}$ .

To simplify a negative fraction, we use the same process as in Example 4.19. Remember to keep the negative sign.

Example 4.20

Simplify: $- \frac{18}{24} .$

Solution

We notice that 18 and 24 both have factors of 6.	$- \frac{18}{24}$
Rewrite the numerator and denominator showing the common factor.	$A mathematical fraction: -(36)/(46). The '6' in the numerator and denominator is highlighted in red, demonstrating a common factor for simplification.$
Remove common factors.	$Simplifying a fraction by canceling out the common factor 'x' (represented by the crossed-out 6s) from both the numerator and denominator, resulting in -3/4. This illustrates algebraic cancellation.$
Simplify.	$- \frac{3}{4}$

Try It 4.39

Simplify: $- \frac{21}{28} .$

Try It 4.40

Simplify: $- \frac{16}{24} .$

After simplifying a fraction, it is always important to check the result to make sure that the numerator and denominator do not have any more factors in common. Remember, the definition of a simplified fraction: a fraction is considered simplified if there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator.

When we simplify an improper fraction, there is no need to change it to a mixed number.

Example 4.21

Simplify: $- \frac{56}{32} .$

Solution

	$- \frac{56}{32}$
Rewrite the numerator and denominator, showing the common factors, 8.	$A mathematical fraction with 7 multiplied by 8 in the numerator and 4 multiplied by 8 in the denominator, with the number 8 highlighted in red.$
Remove common factors.	$A visual example of fraction simplification, where the common factor '8' is canceled from both the numerator and denominator, leaving 7/4.$
Simplify.	$- \frac{7}{4}$

Try It 4.41

Simplify: $- \frac{54}{42} .$

Try It 4.42

Simplify: $- \frac{81}{45} .$

How To

Simplify a fraction.

Step 1. Rewrite the numerator and denominator to show the common factors. If needed, factor the numerator and denominator into prime numbers.
Step 2. Simplify, using the equivalent fractions property, by removing common factors.
Step 3. Multiply any remaining factors

Sometimes it may not be easy to find common factors of the numerator and denominator. A good idea, then, is to factor the numerator and the denominator into prime numbers. (You may want to use the factor tree method to identify the prime factors.) Then divide out the common factors using the Equivalent Fractions Property.

Example 4.22

Simplify: $\frac{210}{385} .$

Solution

Use factor trees to factor the numerator and denominator.	$\frac{210}{385}$
Rewrite the numerator and denominator as the product of the primes.	$\frac{210}{385} = \frac{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5 \cdot 7}{5 \cdot 7 \cdot 11}$
Remove the common factors.	$Simplification of a mathematical fraction where common factors 5 and 7 are crossed out in both the numerator (2357) and denominator (57*11).$
Simplify.	$\frac{2 \cdot 3}{11}$
Multiply any remaining factors.	$\frac{6}{11}$

Try It 4.43

Simplify: $\frac{69}{120} .$

Try It 4.44

Simplify: $\frac{120}{192} .$

We can also simplify fractions containing variables. If a variable is a common factor in the numerator and denominator, we remove it just as we do with an integer factor.

Example 4.23

Simplify: $\frac{5 x y}{15 x} .$

Solution

	$\frac{5 x y}{15 x}$
Rewrite numerator and denominator showing common factors.	$\frac{5 \cdot x \cdot y}{3 \cdot 5 \cdot x}$
Remove common factors.	$\frac{5 \cdot x \cdot y}{3 \cdot 5 \cdot x}$
Simplify.	$\frac{y}{3}$

This table demonstrates the step-by-step simplification of an algebraic rational expression by factoring and canceling common terms.

Try It 4.45

Simplify: $\frac{7 x}{7 y} .$

Try It 4.46

Simplify: $\frac{9 a}{9 b} .$

Multiply Fractions

A model may help you understand multiplication of fractions. We will use fraction tiles to model $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4} .$ To multiply $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{3}{4},$ think $\frac{1}{2}$ of $\frac{3}{4} .$

Start with fraction tiles for three-fourths. To find one-half of three-fourths, we need to divide them into two equal groups. Since we cannot divide the three $\frac{1}{4}$ tiles evenly into two parts, we exchange them for smaller tiles.

A rectangle is divided vertically into three equal pieces. Each piece is labeled as one fourth. There is a an arrow pointing to an identical rectangle divided vertically into six equal pieces. Each piece is labeled as one eighth. There are braces showing that three of these rectangles represent three eighths.

We see $\frac{6}{8}$ is equivalent to $\frac{3}{4} .$ Taking half of the six $\frac{1}{8}$ tiles gives us three $\frac{1}{8}$ tiles, which is $\frac{3}{8} .$

Therefore,

\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{8}

Manipulative Mathematics

Doing the Manipulative Mathematics activity "Model Fraction Multiplication" will help you develop a better understanding of how to multiply fractions.

Example 4.24

Use a diagram to model $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4} .$

Solution

First shade in $\frac{3}{4}$ of the rectangle.

A rectangle is shown, divided vertically into four equal pieces. Three of the pieces are shaded.

We will take $\frac{1}{2}$ of this $\frac{3}{4},$ so we heavily shade $\frac{1}{2}$ of the shaded region.

A rectangle is shown, divided vertically into four equal pieces. Three of the pieces are shaded. The rectangle is divided by a horizontal line, creating eight equal pieces. Three of the eight pieces are darkly shaded.

Notice that $3$ out of the $8$ pieces are heavily shaded. This means that $\frac{3}{8}$ of the rectangle is heavily shaded.

Therefore, $\frac{1}{2}$ of $\frac{3}{4}$ is $\frac{3}{8},$ or $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{8} .$

Try It 4.47

Use a diagram to model: $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{5} .$

Try It 4.48

Use a diagram to model: $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{5}{6} .$

Look at the result we got from the model in Example 4.24. We found that $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3}{8} .$ Do you notice that we could have gotten the same answer by multiplying the numerators and multiplying the denominators?

	$\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4}$
Multiply the numerators, and multiply the denominators.	$\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{4}$
Simplify.	$\frac{3}{8}$

Step-by-step guide on how to multiply two fractions.

This leads to the definition of fraction multiplication. To multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators. Then we write the fraction in simplified form.

Fraction Multiplication

If $a, b, c,$ and $d$ are numbers where $b \neq 0$ and $d \neq 0,$ then

\frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a c}{b d}

Example 4.25

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{3}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{5} .$

Solution

	$\frac{3}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{5}$
Multiply the numerators; multiply the denominators.	$\frac{3 \cdot 1}{4 \cdot 5}$
Simplify.	$\frac{3}{20}$

Steps and mathematical expressions demonstrating the multiplication of fractions 3/4 and 1/5.

There are no common factors, so the fraction is simplified.

Try It 4.49

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{2}{5} .$

Try It 4.50

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{3}{5} \cdot \frac{7}{8} .$

When multiplying fractions, the properties of positive and negative numbers still apply. It is a good idea to determine the sign of the product as the first step. In Example 4.26 we will multiply two negatives, so the product will be positive.

Example 4.26

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{5}{8} (- \frac{2}{3}) .$

Solution

	$- \frac{5}{8} (- \frac{2}{3})$
The signs are the same, so the product is positive. Multiply the numerators, multiply the denominators.	$\frac{5 \cdot 2}{8 \cdot 3}$
Simplify.	$\frac{10}{24}$
Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. Rewrite showing common factors.	$The fraction 5x/12x, illustrating the simplification of an algebraic expression by canceling out the common factor 'x' highlighted in red in both the numerator and denominator.$
Remove common factors.	$\frac{5}{12}$

Another way to find this product involves removing common factors earlier.

	$- \frac{5}{8} (- \frac{2}{3})$
Determine the sign of the product. Multiply.	$\frac{5 \cdot 2}{8 \cdot 3}$
Show common factors and then remove them.	$A mathematical fraction with a numerator of 5 multiplied by 2, and a denominator of 4 multiplied by 2 multiplied by 3. The '2' in both the numerator and denominator is crossed out in red, illustrating cancellation.$
Multiply remaining factors.	$\frac{5}{12}$

We get the same result.

Try It 4.51

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{4}{7} (- \frac{5}{8}) .$

Try It 4.52

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{7}{12} (- \frac{8}{9}) .$

Example 4.27

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{14}{15} \cdot \frac{20}{21} .$

Solution

	$- \frac{14}{15} \cdot \frac{20}{21}$
Determine the sign of the product; multiply.	$- \frac{14}{15} \cdot \frac{20}{21}$
Are there any common factors in the numerator and the denominator? We know that 7 is a factor of 14 and 21, and 5 is a factor of 20 and 15.
Rewrite showing common factors.	$A fraction with a negative sign, where common factors 7 and 5 are shown crossed out from the numerator (2745) and the denominator (3537), illustrating simplification.$
Remove the common factors.	$- \frac{2 \cdot 4}{3 \cdot 3}$
Multiply the remaining factors.	$- \frac{8}{9}$

Try It 4.53

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{10}{28} \cdot \frac{8}{15} .$

Try It 4.54

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{9}{20} \cdot \frac{5}{12} .$

When multiplying a fraction by an integer, it may be helpful to write the integer as a fraction. Any integer, $a,$ can be written as $\frac{a}{1} .$ So, $3 = \frac{3}{1},$ for example.

Example 4.28

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form:

ⓐ $\frac{1}{7} \cdot 56$

ⓑ $\frac{12}{5} (−20 x)$

Solution

ⓐ
	$\frac{1}{7} \cdot 56$
Write 56 as a fraction.	$\frac{1}{7} \cdot \frac{56}{1}$
Determine the sign of the product; multiply.	$\frac{56}{7}$
Simplify.	$8$

Step-by-step calculation demonstrating how to multiply the fraction 1/7 by the whole number 56 to get the result 8.

ⓑ
	$\frac{12}{5} (−20 x)$
Write −20x as a fraction.	$\frac{12}{5} (\frac{−20 x}{1})$
Determine the sign of the product; multiply.	$- \frac{12 \cdot 20 \cdot x}{5 \cdot 1}$
Show common factors and then remove them.	$A mathematical expression showing a fraction with 12, 4, and 5x multiplied in the numerator, and 5 and 1 multiplied in the denominator, with the '5's in both numerator and denominator canceled out, preceded by a negative sign.$
Multiply remaining factors; simplify.	−48x

Try It 4.55

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form:

ⓐ $\frac{1}{8} \cdot 72$
ⓑ $\frac{11}{3} (−9 a)$

Try It 4.56

Multiply, and write the answer in simplified form:

ⓐ $\frac{3}{8} \cdot 64$
ⓑ $16 x \cdot \frac{11}{12}$

Find Reciprocals

The fractions $\frac{2}{3}$ and $\frac{3}{2}$ are related to each other in a special way. So are $- \frac{10}{7}$ and $- \frac{7}{10} .$ Do you see how? Besides looking like upside-down versions of one another, if we were to multiply these pairs of fractions, the product would be $1 .$

\frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{3}{2} = 1 and - \frac{10}{7} (- \frac{7}{10}) = 1

Such pairs of numbers are called reciprocals.

Reciprocal

The reciprocal of the fraction $\frac{a}{b}$ is $\frac{b}{a},$ where $a \neq 0$ and $b \neq 0,$

A number and its reciprocal have a product of $1 .$

\frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{b}{a} = 1

To find the reciprocal of a fraction, we invert the fraction. This means that we place the numerator in the denominator and the denominator in the numerator.

To get a positive result when multiplying two numbers, the numbers must have the same sign. So reciprocals must have the same sign.

“a” over “b” multiplied by “b” over “a” equals positive one.

To find the reciprocal, keep the same sign and invert the fraction. The number zero does not have a reciprocal. Why? A number and its reciprocal multiply to $1 .$ Is there any number $r$ so that $0 \cdot r = 1 ?$ No. So, the number $0$ does not have a reciprocal.

Example 4.29

Find the reciprocal of each number. Then check that the product of each number and its reciprocal is $1 .$

ⓐ $\frac{4}{9}$
ⓑ $- \frac{1}{6}$
ⓒ $- \frac{14}{5}$
ⓓ $7$

Solution

To find the reciprocals, we keep the sign and invert the fractions.

ⓐ
Find the reciprocal of $\frac{4}{9}$ .	The reciprocal of $\frac{4}{9}$ is $\frac{9}{4}$ .
Check:
Multiply the number and its reciprocal.	$\frac{4}{9} \cdot \frac{9}{4}$
Multiply numerators and denominators.	$\frac{36}{36}$
Simplify.	$1 ✓$

This table provides a step-by-step example of finding the reciprocal of a fraction and verifying the result.

ⓑ
Find the reciprocal of $- \frac{1}{6}$ .	$- \frac{6}{1}$
Simplify.	$- 6$
Check:	$- \frac{1}{6} \cdot (- 6)$
	$1 ✓$

This table illustrates finding the reciprocal of a negative fraction, simplifying the result, and performing a check.

ⓒ
Find the reciprocal of $- \frac{14}{5}$ .	$- \frac{5}{14}$
Check:	$- \frac{14}{5} \cdot (- \frac{5}{14})$
	$\frac{70}{70}$
	$1 ✓$

Demonstrates finding the reciprocal of a fraction and verifying the result.

ⓓ
Find the reciprocal of $7$ .
Write $7$ as a fraction.	$\frac{7}{1}$
Write the reciprocal of $\frac{7}{1}$ .	$\frac{1}{7}$
Check:	$7 \cdot (\frac{1}{7})$
	$1 ✓$

This table demonstrates the step-by-step process of finding the reciprocal of the number 7, including the verification.

Try It 4.57

Find the reciprocal:

ⓐ $\frac{5}{7}$
ⓑ $- \frac{1}{8}$
ⓒ $- \frac{11}{4}$
ⓓ $14$

Try It 4.58

Find the reciprocal:

ⓐ $\frac{3}{7}$
ⓑ $- \frac{1}{12}$
ⓒ $- \frac{14}{9}$
ⓓ $21$

In a previous chapter, we worked with opposites and absolute values. Table 4.1 compares opposites, absolute values, and reciprocals.

Opposite	Absolute Value	Reciprocal
has opposite sign	is never negative	has same sign, fraction inverts

Table 4.1

Example 4.30

Fill in the chart for each fraction in the left column:

Number	Opposite	Absolute Value	Reciprocal
$- \frac{3}{8}$
$\frac{1}{2}$
$\frac{9}{5}$
$−5$

Solution

To find the opposite, change the sign. To find the absolute value, leave the positive numbers the same, but take the opposite of the negative numbers. To find the reciprocal, keep the sign the same and invert the fraction.

Number	Opposite	Absolute Value	Reciprocal
$- \frac{3}{8}$	$\frac{3}{8}$	$\frac{3}{8}$	$- \frac{8}{3}$
$\frac{1}{2}$	$- \frac{1}{2}$	$\frac{1}{2}$	$2$
$\frac{9}{5}$	$- \frac{9}{5}$	$\frac{9}{5}$	$\frac{5}{9}$
$−5$	$5$	$5$	$- \frac{1}{5}$

Try It 4.59

Fill in the chart for each number given:

Number	Opposite	Absolute Value	Reciprocal
$- \frac{5}{8}$
$\frac{1}{4}$
$\frac{8}{3}$
$−8$

Try It 4.60

Fill in the chart for each number given:

Number	Opposite	Absolute Value	Reciprocal
$- \frac{4}{7}$
$\frac{1}{8}$
$\frac{9}{4}$
$−1$

Divide Fractions

Why is $12 \div 3 = 4 ?$ We previously modeled this with counters. How many groups of $3$ counters can be made from a group of $12$ counters?

There are $4$ groups of $3$ counters. In other words, there are four $3$ s in $12 .$ So, $12 \div 3 = 4 .$

What about dividing fractions? Suppose we want to find the quotient: $\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{6} .$ We need to figure out how many $\frac{1}{6}$ s there are in $\frac{1}{2} .$ We can use fraction tiles to model this division. We start by lining up the half and sixth fraction tiles as shown in Figure 4.5. Notice, there are three $\frac{1}{6}$ tiles in $\frac{1}{2},$ so $\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{6} = 3 .$

A rectangle is shown, labeled as one half. Below it is an identical rectangle split into three equal pieces, each labeled as one sixth.

Figure 4.5

Manipulative Mathematics

Doing the Manipulative Mathematics activity "Model Fraction Division" will help you develop a better understanding of dividing fractions.

Example 4.31

Model: $\frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{8} .$

Solution

We want to determine how many $\frac{1}{8}$ s are in $\frac{1}{4} .$ Start with one $\frac{1}{4}$ tile. Line up $\frac{1}{8}$ tiles underneath the $\frac{1}{4}$ tile.

There are two $\frac{1}{8}$ s in $\frac{1}{4} .$

So, $\frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{8} = 2 .$

Try It 4.61

Model: $\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{1}{6} .$

Try It 4.62

Model: $\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{4} .$

Example 4.32

Model: $2 \div \frac{1}{4} .$

Solution

We are trying to determine how many $\frac{1}{4}$ s there are in $2 .$ We can model this as shown.

Because there are eight $\frac{1}{4}$ s in $2, 2 \div \frac{1}{4} = 8 .$

Try It 4.63

Model: $2 \div \frac{1}{3}$

Try It 4.64

Model: $3 \div \frac{1}{2}$

Let’s use money to model $2 \div \frac{1}{4}$ in another way. We often read $\frac{1}{4}$ as a ‘quarter’, and we know that a quarter is one-fourth of a dollar as shown in Figure 4.6. So we can think of $2 \div \frac{1}{4}$ as, “How many quarters are there in two dollars?” One dollar is $4$ quarters, so $2$ dollars would be $8$ quarters. So again, $2 \div \frac{1}{4} = 8 .$

A picture of a United States quarter is shown.

Figure 4.6 The U.S. coin called a quarter is worth one-fourth of a dollar.

Using fraction tiles, we showed that $\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{6} = 3 .$ Notice that $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{6}{1} = 3$ also. How are $\frac{1}{6}$ and $\frac{6}{1}$ related? They are reciprocals. This leads us to the procedure for fraction division.

Fraction Division

If $a, b, c,$ and $d$ are numbers where $b \neq 0, c \neq 0,$ and $d \neq 0,$ then

\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{d}{c}

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.

We need to say $b \neq 0, c \neq 0$ and $d \neq 0$ to be sure we don’t divide by zero.

Example 4.33

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{2}{5} \div (- \frac{3}{7}) .$

Solution

	$\frac{2}{5} \div (- \frac{3}{7})$
Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.	$\frac{2}{5} (- \frac{7}{3})$
Multiply. The product is negative.	$- \frac{14}{15}$

Illustrates the step-by-step process of dividing fractions, from the initial problem to the final simplified result.

Try It 4.65

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{3}{7} \div (- \frac{2}{3}) .$

Try It 4.66

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{2}{3} \div (- \frac{7}{5}) .$

Example 4.34

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{2}{3} \div \frac{n}{5} .$

Solution

	$\frac{2}{3} \div \frac{n}{5}$
Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.	$\frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{5}{n}$
Multiply.	$\frac{10}{3 n}$

This table illustrates the step-by-step process of dividing two fractions, showing how to convert division into multiplication by a reciprocal.

Try It 4.67

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{3}{5} \div \frac{p}{7} .$

Try It 4.68

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{5}{8} \div \frac{q}{3} .$

Example 4.35

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{3}{4} \div (- \frac{7}{8}) .$

Solution

	$- \frac{3}{4} \div (- \frac{7}{8})$
Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.	$- \frac{3}{4} \cdot (- \frac{8}{7})$
Multiply. Remember to determine the sign first.	$\frac{3 \cdot 8}{4 \cdot 7}$
Rewrite to show common factors.	$\frac{3 \cdot 4 \cdot 2}{4 \cdot 7}$
Remove common factors and simplify.	$\frac{6}{7}$

Steps to divide two negative fractions, illustrating the procedure from initial expression to simplified result.

Try It 4.69

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{2}{3} \div (- \frac{5}{6}) .$

Try It 4.70

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $- \frac{5}{6} \div (- \frac{2}{3}) .$

Example 4.36

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{7}{18} \div \frac{14}{27} .$

Solution

	$\frac{7}{18} \div \frac{14}{27}$
Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.	$\frac{7}{18} \cdot \frac{27}{14}$
Multiply.	$\frac{7 \cdot 27}{18 \cdot 14}$
Rewrite showing common factors.	$A mathematical fraction displays the cancellation of common factors. The terms 7 and 9 are crossed out from both the numerator and denominator, simplifying the expression.$
Remove common factors.	$\frac{3}{2 \cdot 2}$
Simplify.	$\frac{3}{4}$

Step-by-step solution for dividing two fractions, illustrating each stage from the initial problem to the simplified result.

Try It 4.71

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{7}{27} \div \frac{35}{36} .$

Try It 4.72

Divide, and write the answer in simplified form: $\frac{5}{14} \div \frac{15}{28} .$

Media

ACCESS ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES

Section 4.2 Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Simplify Fractions

In the following exercises, simplify each fraction. Do not convert any improper fractions to mixed numbers.

77.

$\frac{7}{21}$

78.

$\frac{8}{24}$

79.

$\frac{15}{20}$

80.

$\frac{12}{18}$

81.

$- \frac{40}{88}$

82.

$- \frac{63}{99}$

83.

$- \frac{108}{63}$

84.

$- \frac{104}{48}$

85.

$\frac{120}{252}$

86.

$\frac{182}{294}$

87.

$- \frac{168}{192}$

88.

$- \frac{140}{224}$

89.

$\frac{11 x}{11 y}$

90.

$\frac{15 a}{15 b}$

91.

$- \frac{3 x}{12 y}$

92.

$- \frac{4 x}{32 y}$

93.

$\frac{14 x^{2}}{21 y}$

94.

$\frac{24 a}{32 b^{2}}$

Multiply Fractions

In the following exercises, use a diagram to model.

95.

$\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{2}{3}$

96.

$\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{5}{8}$

97.

$\frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{5}{6}$

98.

$\frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{2}{5}$

In the following exercises, multiply, and write the answer in simplified form.

99.

$\frac{2}{5} \cdot \frac{1}{3}$

100.

$\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{8}$

101.

$\frac{3}{4} \cdot \frac{9}{10}$

102.

$\frac{4}{5} \cdot \frac{2}{7}$

103.

$- \frac{2}{3} (- \frac{3}{8})$

104.

$- \frac{3}{4} (- \frac{4}{9})$

105.

$- \frac{5}{9} \cdot \frac{3}{10}$

106.

$- \frac{3}{8} \cdot \frac{4}{15}$

107.

$\frac{7}{12} (- \frac{8}{21})$

108.

$\frac{5}{12} (- \frac{8}{15})$

109.

$(- \frac{14}{15}) (\frac{9}{20})$

110.

$(- \frac{9}{10}) (\frac{25}{33})$

111.

$(- \frac{63}{84}) (- \frac{44}{90})$

112.

$(- \frac{33}{60}) (- \frac{40}{88})$

113.

$4 \cdot \frac{5}{11}$

114.

$5 \cdot \frac{8}{3}$

115.

$\frac{3}{7} \cdot 21 n$

116.

$\frac{5}{6} \cdot 30 m$

117.

$−28 p (- \frac{1}{4})$

118.

$−51 q (- \frac{1}{3})$

119.

$−8 (\frac{17}{4})$

120.

$\frac{14}{5} (−15)$

121.

$−1 (- \frac{3}{8})$

122.

$(−1) (- \frac{6}{7})$

123.

${(\frac{2}{3})}^{3}$

124.

${(\frac{4}{5})}^{2}$

125.

${(\frac{6}{5})}^{4}$

126.

${(\frac{4}{7})}^{4}$

Find Reciprocals

In the following exercises, find the reciprocal.

127.

$\frac{3}{4}$

128.

$\frac{2}{3}$

129.

$- \frac{5}{17}$

130.

$- \frac{6}{19}$

131.

$\frac{11}{8}$

132.

$−13$

133.

$−19$

134.

$−1$

135.

$1$

136.

Fill in the chart.

	Opposite	Absolute Value	Reciprocal
$- \frac{7}{11}$
$\frac{4}{5}$
$\frac{10}{7}$
$−8$

137.

Fill in the chart.

	Opposite	Absolute Value	Reciprocal
$- \frac{3}{13}$
$\frac{9}{14}$
$\frac{15}{7}$
$−9$

Divide Fractions

In the following exercises, model each fraction division.

138.

$\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{4}$

139.

$\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{8}$

140.

$2 \div \frac{1}{5}$

141.

$3 \div \frac{1}{4}$

In the following exercises, divide, and write the answer in simplified form.

142.

$\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{4}$

143.

$\frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{8}$

144.

$\frac{3}{4} \div \frac{2}{3}$

145.

$\frac{4}{5} \div \frac{3}{4}$

146.

$- \frac{4}{5} \div \frac{4}{7}$

147.

$- \frac{3}{4} \div \frac{3}{5}$

148.

$- \frac{7}{9} \div (- \frac{7}{9})$

149.

$- \frac{5}{6} \div (- \frac{5}{6})$

150.

$\frac{3}{4} \div \frac{x}{11}$

151.

$\frac{2}{5} \div \frac{y}{9}$

152.

$\frac{5}{8} \div \frac{a}{10}$

153.

$\frac{5}{6} \div \frac{c}{15}$

154.

$\frac{5}{18} \div (- \frac{15}{24})$

155.

$\frac{7}{18} \div (- \frac{14}{27})$

156.

$\frac{7 p}{12} \div \frac{21 p}{8}$

157.

$\frac{5 q}{12} \div \frac{15 q}{8}$

158.

$\frac{8 u}{15} \div \frac{12 v}{25}$

159.

$\frac{12 r}{25} \div \frac{18 s}{35}$

160.

$−5 \div \frac{1}{2}$

161.

$−3 \div \frac{1}{4}$

162.

$\frac{3}{4} \div (−12)$

163.

$\frac{2}{5} \div (−10)$

164.

$−18 \div (- \frac{9}{2})$

165.

$−15 \div (- \frac{5}{3})$

166.

$\frac{1}{2} \div (- \frac{3}{4}) \div \frac{7}{8}$

167.

$\frac{11}{2} \div \frac{7}{8} \cdot \frac{2}{11}$

Everyday Math

168.

Baking A recipe for chocolate chip cookies calls for $\frac{3}{4}$ cup brown sugar. Imelda wants to double the recipe.

ⓐ How much brown sugar will Imelda need? Show your calculation. Write your result as an improper fraction and as a mixed number.

ⓑ Measuring cups usually come in sets of $\frac{1}{8}, \frac{1}{4}, \frac{1}{3}, \frac{1}{2},$ and $1$ cup. Draw a diagram to show two different ways that Imelda could measure the brown sugar needed to double the recipe.

169.

Baking Nina is making $4$ pans of fudge to serve after a music recital. For each pan, she needs $\frac{2}{3}$ cup of condensed milk.

ⓐ How much condensed milk will Nina need? Show your calculation. Write your result as an improper fraction and as a mixed number.
ⓑ Measuring cups usually come in sets of $\frac{1}{8}, \frac{1}{4}, \frac{1}{3}, \frac{1}{2},$ and $1$ cup. Draw a diagram to show two different ways that Nina could measure the condensed milk she needs.

170.

Portions Don purchased a bulk package of candy that weighs $5$ pounds. He wants to sell the candy in little bags that hold $\frac{1}{4}$ pound. How many little bags of candy can he fill from the bulk package?

171.

Portions Kristen has $\frac{3}{4}$ yards of ribbon. She wants to cut it into equal parts to make hair ribbons for her daughter’s $6$ dolls. How long will each doll’s hair ribbon be?

Writing Exercises

172.

Explain how you find the reciprocal of a fraction.

173.

Explain how you find the reciprocal of a negative fraction.

174.

Rafael wanted to order half a medium pizza at a restaurant. The waiter told him that a medium pizza could be cut into $6$ or $8$ slices. Would he prefer $3$ out of $6$ slices or $4$ out of $8$ slices? Rafael replied that since he wasn’t very hungry, he would prefer $3$ out of $6$ slices. Explain what is wrong with Rafael’s reasoning.

175.

Give an example from everyday life that demonstrates how $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{2}{3}$ is $\frac{1}{3} .$

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

A student self-evaluation chart for fractions skills: simplifying, multiplying, reciprocals, and dividing, rated as 'Confidently', 'With some help', or 'No-I don't get it!'.

ⓑ After reviewing this checklist, what will you do to become confident for all objectives?