# Dividing Fractions

Dividing fractions just means multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. But why do your fractions need dividing to begin with? Did they get in a fight?

 Fractions and Decimals Fractions Language English Language

### Transcript

00:25

Having fractions inside fractions looks… a little unstable.

00:29

Instead, we try to write them with the good old division sign.

00:33

Since division is the opposite of multiplication…

00:36

…what we do is multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

00:43

The reciprocal just means that we switch the numerator and denominator.

00:47

To take the reciprocal of the second fraction simply flip five-sixths and turn it around

00:52

into six-fifths and we get this…

00:56

Basically, the top becomes the bottom and the bottom becomes the top.

01:00

If we have a whole number, we say that its denominator is 1.

01:05

So 4 is the same as 4 over 1, which means that its reciprocal is one-fourth.

01:11

After we've found the reciprocal of the second fraction…

01:13

…we can multiply the two together. 3 times 6 is 18… and 4 times 5 is 20. Giving

01:19

01:24

as you can. The simpler the better. Dividing both sides by two gives us nine-tenths.

01:29

Also, remember that when dividing fractions, we only find the reciprocal of the second

01:35

number. Once you get used to the turns and flips,

01:38

dividing fractions shouldn't be too hard.

01:40

In fact, with all that flipping and turning, you should be ready to ride "The Lunch Dispenser."