Solve the Division Problem: 1/2 Divided by 4

Multiplying by the reciprocal is the standard method for dividing fractions! It's easier to multiply $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4}$ than to figure out complex division rules.

A reciprocal is when you flip a number upside down. The reciprocal of 4 is $\frac{1}{4}$, and the reciprocal of $\frac{3}{5}$ is $\frac{5}{3}$.

Multiply straight across: multiply the tops together and the bottoms together. So $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 1}{2 \times 4} = \frac{1}{8}$.

When you divide by a number greater than 1, you always get a smaller result! Think of it as splitting $\frac{1}{2}$ into 4 equal pieces.

Yes! The reciprocal method works for all fraction division: $a \div b = a \times \frac{1}{b}$. Just remember to flip the second number and multiply.