Dividing Fractions By Whole Numbers

Multiply the bottom number of the fraction by the whole number.

To Divide a Fraction by a Whole Number:

  • Step 1. Multiply the bottom number of the fraction by the whole number
  • Step 2. Simplify the fraction (if needed)

Example:

12 ÷ 3

Step 1. Multiply the bottom of the fraction by the whole number:

12 × 3

Which equals:

16

Step 2. Fraction is already as simple as possible, so no need for step 2.

Answer:

12 ÷ 3 = 16

With Pen and Paper

And here is how to do it with a pen and paper (press the play button):

Does it make sense?

Does 12 ÷ 3 really equal 16 ?

Well look at the pizzas below ...

When half a pizza is divided into 3 equal parts, each person gets one sixth of a whole pizza.

  A Half:   Divide it by 3:  
  3/6     1/6 Answer:
16

Another example:

Example:

25  ÷  4

Step 1. Multiply the bottom of the fraction by the whole number:

25 × 4 = 220

Step 2. Simplify the fraction:

220 = 110

Done!

12 of 16 chocolate block

Example: You have 34 of a chocolate block and share it with a friend. How much does each of you get?

34  ÷  2

Step 1. Multiply the bottom of the fraction by the whole number:

34 × 2 = 38

You each get 38 of the block.

5935, 5936, 5937, 5938, 5939, 3579, 3580, 3581, 3582, 3583, 3584