Thread: I can divide fractions w/out reciprocals.

5/14 \ 2/7


5 \ 2= 2.5 <<Take off the decimal, you'll use it l8er.
14 \ 7= 2

2/2= 1 correct?? Well now u still have that .5 to deal with. The answer to the original equations denominator was 2, otherwise 'half'

What is half of one half?? One quarter. The answer to this problem is 1 and 1/4.


Now lets try this again w/ reciprocals.


5/14 \ 2/7

5/14 * 7/2= 35/28= 1 and 7/28



How many times does 7 go into twenty eight?? 7 (one) 14 (two) 21 (three) 28 (four)

What is 7/28 equal to?? 1/4.

So what is the answer to this equation?? 1 1/4

W/ reciprocals: 1 and 1/4
W/out reciprocals: 1 and 1/4

Discuss. I can do this w/ any fractions.

Sure, the method works.

Nobody would use it though, it's very convulted. If I were working this out I'd just say

5/14 / 2/7 = 5/14 / 4/14 = 5 / 4

which takes about a quarter of the number of steps.

I guess. This method should probably only be used with older students when teaching though. I don't expect it to catch on or anything, though.

Let's all use egyptian fractions!