Division of a Whole Number by a Fraction

We will discuss here about division of a whole number by a fraction.

Look at the collection of circles. It has 8 circles.

Collection of Circles

How many two’s are there in 8?

How many two’s are there in 8? So we find there are 4 two in 8.

Now what does the following statement mean?

How many halves are there in 8? To find this, let us divide each of the 8 circles into halves.

Circles into Halves

We find there are 16 halves in 8

So, the answer is 8 ÷ ½ = 16

i.e. = 8 ÷ ½ = 8 × 2/1 = 8 × 2/1 = 16

Therefore, the rules for the division of a whole number by a fractional number is

Whole Number ÷ Fraction = Whole Number × Reciprocal of Fraction.

Hence, we conclude that to divide whole number by a fractional number, we multiply the whole number by multiplicative inverse of the fractional number.

Note: Wherever mixed numbers are used first change them into improper fractions.

For Example:

1. 4 ÷ 1/3

[We know, Whole Number × Reciprocal of Fraction]

Reciprocal of Fraction of ‘1/3’ is ‘3’

= 4 × 3

= 12



2. 16 ÷ 2/5

Reciprocal of Fraction of ‘2/5’ is ‘5/2’

= 16 × 5/2

= (16 × 5)/2

Division of a Whole Number by a Fraction




= 8 × 5

= 40



3. 24 ÷ 1 3/5

= 24 ÷ (1 × 5 + 3)/5

= 24 ÷ 8/5

Reciprocal of Fraction of ‘8/5’ is ‘5/8’

= 24 × 5/8




= 3 × 5

= 15



4. 49 ÷ 7/3

Reciprocal of Fraction of ‘7/3’ is ‘3/7’

= 49 × 3/7




= 7 × 3

= 21



5. 11 9/9 ÷ 12/7

= (11 × 9 + 9)/9 ÷ 12/7

= 108/9 ÷ 12/7

Reciprocal of Fraction of ‘12/7’ is ‘7/12’

= 108/9 × 7/12





= 7



6. 91 ÷ 91/34

Reciprocal of Fraction of ‘91/34’ is ‘34/91’

= 91 × 34/91




= 34

Multiplication is Repeated Addition.

Multiplication of Fractional Number by a Whole Number.

Multiplication of a Fraction by Fraction.

Properties of Multiplication of Fractional Numbers.

Multiplicative Inverse.

Worksheet on Multiplication on Fraction.

Division of a Fraction by a Whole Number.

Division of a Fractional Number.

Division of a Whole Number by a Fraction.

Properties of Fractional Division.

Worksheet on Division of Fractions.

Simplification of Fractions.

Worksheet on Simplification of Fractions.

Word Problems on Fraction.

Worksheet on Word Problems on Fractions.




5th Grade Numbers Page

5th Grade Math Problems

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




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



New! Comments

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




Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. Addition of Capacity | Add the Different Units of Capacity | Examples

    Nov 14, 24 03:03 PM

    Addition of Measurement of Capacity
    In addition of capacity we will learn how to add the different units of capacity and volume together. While adding we need to follow that the units of capacity i.e., liter and milliliter

    Read More

  2. Measuring Capacity | Standard Unit of Capacity | Litre | Millilitres

    Nov 14, 24 02:40 PM

    2 Tablespoonful of Water
    We will discuss about measuring capacity. The milkman measures milk in liters. Petrol is given in liters. Mobil oil is sold in liters. Two milk bottles contain 1 liter of milk. One milk bottle

    Read More

  3. Subtraction of Mass | Difference Between the Units of Mass | Examples

    Nov 14, 24 09:16 AM

    Subtraction of Measurement of Weight
    In subtraction of mass we will learn how to find the difference between the units of mass or weight. While subtracting we need to follow that the units of mass i.e., kilogram and gram

    Read More

  4. Worksheet on Subtraction of Mass |Word Problems on Subtraction of Mass

    Nov 13, 24 02:00 PM

    Worksheet on Subtraction of Mass
    Practice the third grade math worksheet on subtraction of mass or weight. This sheet provides different types of questions where you need to arrange the values of mass under different columns

    Read More

  5. Worksheet on Addition of Mass | Word problems on Addition of Mass

    Nov 13, 24 10:24 AM

    Practice the third grade math worksheet on addition of mass/weight. This sheet provides different types of questions where you need to arrange the values of mass under different columns

    Read More