Pre-Algebra Demystified

PRACTICE

Multiply:

1. 
   

   1^18  (^223)

   
   


2. 
   

   3^56  (^225)

   
   


3. 
   

   15 1107

   
   


4. 
   

   2^12  135  (^314)

   
   


5. 
   

   4^18  623  (^115)
   ANSWERS

   
   


6. 
   

   3

   
   


7. 
   

   9^15

   
   


8. 
   

   25^12

   
   


9. 
   

   13

   
   


10. 
    

    33

    
    

Division of Fractions

When dividing fractions, it is necessary to use thereciprocalof a fraction. To

find the reciprocal of a fraction, interchange the numerator and the denomi-

nator. For example, the reciprocal of^23 is^32. The reciprocal of^58 is^85. The

reciprocal of 15 is 151. Finding the reciprocal of a fraction is also calledinverting.

To divide two fractions, invert the fraction after the division sign and

multiply.

EXAMPLE

Divide^34 ^78.

SOLUTION

3

4



7

8

¼

3

4



8

7

invert

7

8

and multiply

2

¼

3

4



8

7

1

¼

6

7

68 CHAPTER 4 Fractions: Part 2