How to Divide a Whole Number With a Fraction

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Convert the whole number to a fraction.

   To do this, make the whole number the numerator of a fraction.
   
   Make the denominator
   1.For example, if you are calculating 7÷34{\displaystyle 7\div {\frac {3}{4}}}, you would first change 7{\displaystyle 7} to 71{\displaystyle {\frac {7}{1}}}.
2. 2

   Step 2: Find the reciprocal of the divisor.

   The reciprocal of a number is the inverse of the number.
   
   To find the reciprocal of a fraction, reverse the numerator and denominator.For example, the inverse of 34{\displaystyle {\frac {3}{4}}} is 43{\displaystyle {\frac {4}{3}}}. , To multiply fractions, first multiply the numerators together.
   
   Then, multiply the denominators together.
   
   The product of the two fractions equals the quotient of your original division problem.For example, 71×43=283{\displaystyle {\frac {7}{1}}\times {\frac {4}{3}}={\frac {28}{3}}} , If you have an improper fraction (a fraction with a larger numerator than denominator), your teacher may require you to change it to a mixed number.
   
   Usually your teacher will require you to reduce proper fractions to lowest terms.
   
   For example, 283{\displaystyle {\frac {28}{3}}} simplified to a mixed number is 713{\displaystyle 7{\frac {1}{3}}}.
3. 3

   Step 3: Multiply the two fractions.

4. 4

   Step 4: Simplify

5. 5

   Step 5: if necessary.

Detailed Guide

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