Solve Fraction Division: 1/3 ÷ 1/4 Step-by-Step

Fraction Division with Reciprocal Method

Complete the following exercise:

13:14=? \frac{1}{3}:\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:05 Let's solve this problem together.
00:08 Instead of dividing, we'll multiply by the reciprocal.
00:12 This means we'll swap the numerator and the denominator.
00:18 Remember to multiply the numerators together, then the denominators.
00:23 Now, calculate these multiplications carefully.
00:33 Think of four as three plus one.
00:37 Break the fraction into a whole fraction and a remainder.
00:42 Remember, any number divided by itself is always one.
00:48 Add this to the mixed fraction.
00:51 And there you have it. That's the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the following exercise:

13:14=? \frac{1}{3}:\frac{1}{4}=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the fractions involved and their reciprocal.
  • Step 2: Convert the division into multiplication using the reciprocal.
  • Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction, if needed, converting any improper fraction to a mixed number.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: We are given the fraction 13\frac{1}{3} and we are dividing by 14\frac{1}{4}. The reciprocal of 14\frac{1}{4} is 41\frac{4}{1}.
Step 2: Multiply 13\frac{1}{3} by the reciprocal of 14\frac{1}{4}:

13×41=1×43×1=43 \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{4}{1} = \frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 1} = \frac{4}{3}

Step 3: Simplify 43\frac{4}{3}. Since 43\frac{4}{3} is an improper fraction, convert it to a mixed number:
Divide 4 by 3, which goes 1 time with a remainder of 1. Therefore, 43=113\frac{4}{3} = 1\frac{1}{3}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 113 1\frac{1}{3} .

3

Final Answer

113 1\frac{1}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Division by a fraction equals multiplication by its reciprocal
  • Technique: 13÷14=13×41=43 \frac{1}{3} ÷ \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{3} × \frac{4}{1} = \frac{4}{3}
  • Check: Convert improper fraction 43 \frac{4}{3} to mixed number 113 1\frac{1}{3}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing numerators and denominators directly
    Don't divide 13÷14 \frac{1}{3} ÷ \frac{1}{4} by doing 1÷1 and 3÷4 = 134 \frac{1}{\frac{3}{4}} ! This creates a complex fraction that's harder to work with. Always flip the second fraction and multiply instead.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I flip the second fraction when dividing?

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Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. Think of it as "How many 14 \frac{1}{4} 's fit into 13 \frac{1}{3} ?" - you need to flip and multiply!

What's the reciprocal of a fraction?

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The reciprocal is when you flip the numerator and denominator. So the reciprocal of 14 \frac{1}{4} is 41 \frac{4}{1} or just 4.

How do I convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?

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Divide the numerator by the denominator: 43 \frac{4}{3} means 4 ÷ 3 = 1 remainder 1, so 43=113 \frac{4}{3} = 1\frac{1}{3} .

Can I leave my answer as an improper fraction?

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Yes, but mixed numbers are usually preferred for final answers because they're easier to understand. 113 1\frac{1}{3} is clearer than 43 \frac{4}{3} !

What if I multiply the fractions incorrectly?

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Remember: multiply numerator × numerator and denominator × denominator. So 13×41=1×43×1=43 \frac{1}{3} × \frac{4}{1} = \frac{1×4}{3×1} = \frac{4}{3} .

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