What is the first step in dividing fractions?

What is the first step in dividing fractions?

• A. Invert (flip) one of the fractions and then multiply.
• B. Add the numerators.
• C. Subtract the denominators.
• D. Multiply both fractions directly.

Answer: (A)

Dividing fractions is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal of the second fraction. So the first step is to invert the second fraction—swap its numerator and denominator—to form its reciprocal. Then multiply the two fractions: (a/b) × (d/c), giving (a×d)/(b×c). This works because multiplying by the reciprocal undoes the division, turning the operation into multiplication. For example, 3/4 ÷ 2/5 becomes 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8, which is 1 7/8. If you multiplied without flipping, 3/4 × 2/5 would give 3/10, which is not the same as the division result.

Dividing fractions is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal of the second fraction. So the first step is to invert the second fraction—swap its numerator and denominator—to form its reciprocal. Then multiply the two fractions: (a/b) × (d/c), giving (a×d)/(b×c). This works because multiplying by the reciprocal undoes the division, turning the operation into multiplication.

For example, 3/4 ÷ 2/5 becomes 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8, which is 1 7/8. If you multiplied without flipping, 3/4 × 2/5 would give 3/10, which is not the same as the division result.