How to Divide Fractions by Finding the Reciprocal

Dividing fractions is just as easy as multiplying them. In fact, when you divide fractions, you really turn the problem into multiplication by using a reciprocal.

To divide one fraction by another, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second. (The reciprocal of a fraction is simply that fraction turned upside down.)

For example, here’s how you turn fraction division into multiplication:

First, you turn 4/5 into its reciprocal — 5/4 — and change the division sign to a multiplication sign. After that, just multiply the fractions:

As with multiplication, in some cases you may have to reduce your result at the end. But you can also make your job easier by canceling out equal factors.