Division of a Fraction by a Whole Number

This topic would discuss on dividing a fraction by a whole number. Whole numbers are numbers from 0 to infinity i.e. {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9……} They are not represented in numerator and denominator form. However, for the purpose of division and multiplication of the whole number has to be represented in numerator and denominator form. For that we have to place 1 in the denominator of a whole number. However, in division the general method used is:

Fraction ÷ fraction / Whole number) = fraction × reciprocal of the fraction/ Whole number

Then after that the steps are same as multiplication of fraction with whole number.

Here are few examples to show division of a fraction by whole number:

1. 7 2/10  ÷ 36

⟹ 72/10 ÷ 36;  [Changing mixed fraction into improper fraction]

⟹ 72/10 ÷ 36/1; [Placing 1 in the denominator]

⟹ 72/10 × 1/36;  [Reciprocal of the whole number]

⟹ (72 × 1)/(10 × 36); [Product of numerator and denominator]

⟹ (72 ÷ 72)/(360 ÷ 72);   [Change into lowest term]

⟹ 1/5


Explanation:

The fraction is in mixed form so, in the first step it is changed into improper fraction. Then the whole number is changed into fraction by placing 1 in the denominator. In the next step the fraction is multiplied with the reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of the whole number. That is Product of the numerator/ Product of the denominator. Then the answer is changed to lowest terms to arrive at the final answer. 


2. 9/23 ÷ 108

⟹ 9/23 ÷ 108/1; [Placing 1 in the denominator]

⟹ 9/23 × 1/108;  [Reciprocal of the whole number]

⟹ (9 × 1)/(23 × 108); [Product of numerator and denominator]

⟹ (9 ÷ 9)/(2484 ÷ 9) [Change into lowest term]

⟹ 1/276


Explanation:

In this example the whole number is changed into fraction by placing 1 in the denominator. In the next step the fraction is multiplied with the reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of the whole number. That is Product of the numerator/ Product of the denominator. Then the answer is changed to lowest terms to arrive at the final answer


3. 9 1/7 ÷ 64

⟹ 64/7 ÷ 64;  [Changing mixed fraction into improper fraction]

⟹ 64/7 ÷ 64/1; [Placing 1 in the denominator]

⟹ 64/7 × 1/64;  [Reciprocal of the whole number]

⟹ (64 ×1)/(7 ×64); [Product of numerator and denominator]

⟹ (64 ÷64)/(448 ÷64);   [Change into lowest term]

⟹ 1/7


Explanation:

The fraction is in mixed form so, in the first step it is changed into improper fraction. Then the whole number is changed into fraction by placing 1 in the denominator. In the next step the fraction is multiplied with the reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of the whole number. That is Product of the numerator/ Product of the denominator. Then the answer is changed to lowest terms to arrive at the final answer. 

The above examples show the division of fraction by whole number where the fraction is multiplied by the reciprocal or the multiplicative inverse of the whole number. 

You might like these






From Division of a Fraction by a Whole Number to HOME PAGE

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.


Recent Articles

  1. Amphibolic Pathway | Definition | Examples | Pentose Phosphate Pathway

    Jun 06, 24 10:40 AM

    Amphibolic Pathway
    Definition of amphibolic pathway- Amphibolic pathway is a biochemical pathway where anabolism and catabolism are both combined together. Examples of amphibolic pathway- there are different biochemical…

    Read More

  2. Respiratory Balance Sheet | TCA Cycle | ATP Consumption Process

    Feb 18, 24 01:56 PM

    ATP Synthase in Mitochondria
    The major component that produced during the photosynthesis is Glucose which is further metabolised by the different metabolic pathways like glycolysis, Krebs cycle, TCA cycle and produces energy whic…

    Read More

  3. Electron Transport System and Oxidative Phosphorylation | ETC |Diagram

    Feb 04, 24 01:57 PM

    Electron Transport Chains
    It is also called ETC. Electron transfer means the process where one electron relocates from one atom to the other atom. Definition of electron transport chain - The biological process where a chains…

    Read More

  4. Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle | Krebs Cycle | Steps | End Products |Diagram

    Jan 28, 24 12:39 PM

    Aerobic Respiration
    This is a type of process which execute in a cyclical form and final common pathway for oxidation of Carbohydrates fat protein through which acetyl coenzyme a or acetyl CoA is completely oxidised to c…

    Read More

  5. Aerobic Respiration | Definition of Aerobic Respiration | Glycolysis

    Dec 15, 23 08:42 AM

    Aerobic Respiration
    This is a type of respiration where molecular free oxygen is used as the final acceptor and it is observed in cell. Site of Aerobic Respiration - Aerobic respiration is observed in most of the eukaryo…

    Read More