Dividing fractions might seem daunting at first, but it's actually quite simple! The key is to remember the phrase "Keep, Change, Flip." You keep the first fraction as it is, change the division sign to multiplication, and flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal). Then, multiply the numerators and the denominators. Simplify your answer if possible. You've got this!
For example, to divide $\frac{1}{2}$ by $\frac{1}{4}$, you would keep $\frac{1}{2}$, change the division to multiplication, and flip $\frac{1}{4}$ to $\frac{4}{1}$. Then you multiply $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{4}{1} = \frac{4}{2}$, which simplifies to $2$.
Match the term to its definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Numerator | A. The number below the fraction bar |
| 2. Denominator | B. The result of dividing one number by another |
| 3. Reciprocal | C. To reduce a fraction to its simplest form |
| 4. Quotient | D. The number above the fraction bar |
| 5. Simplify | E. Flipping a fraction (e.g., the reciprocal of $\frac{2}{3}$ is $\frac{3}{2}$) |
When dividing fractions, we ________ the first fraction, ________ the division sign to multiplication, and ________ the second fraction. Then, we multiply the ________ and the ________.
Explain why "Keep, Change, Flip" works when dividing fractions. Why does multiplying by the reciprocal give you the correct answer?
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