Flip it and multiply — division becomes multiplication!
To divide a unit fraction (like ⅓, ¼, ⅕) by a whole number, or a whole number by a unit fraction, we use the "Keep-Change-Flip" method: keep the first number, change ÷ to ×, and flip the second number (use its reciprocal).
Unit fraction ÷ Whole number
Whole number ÷ Unit fraction
Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.
You have 3 cups of flour. Each batch of muffins needs ¼ cup. How many batches? 3 ÷ ¼ = 3 × 4 = 12 batches. That's a lot of muffins! 🧁
Remember This!
Check your answer makes sense: if you divide by a fraction less than 1, your answer should be BIGGER than what you started with.
What is 5 ÷ ⅕?