When we divide by 2, we are halving something.

When we divide by 3, we are finding a third of it.

When we divide by 4, we are finding a quarter of it.

 

Dividing by 2 is the same as multiplying by 1/2.

Dividing by 3 is the same as multiplying by 1/3.

Dividing by 4 is the same as multiplying by 1/4 etc.

 

 

Example

Work out the following.

 

1	÷	4
9

 

Answer

This is the same as

 

1	×	1
9		4

 

 

1 × 1 = 1

9 × 4 = 36

 

The answer is

 

1

36

 

which we write as   1/36.

 

Want a bit more help with this before you begin? Why not watch this short video?