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, reducing the answer to its simplest form if possible.

 

2	÷	4
9

 

Answer

This is the same as

 

2	×	1
9		4

 

2 × 1 = 2

9 × 4 = 36

 

This gives:

 

2

36

 

But this must be reduced by dividing top and bottom by 2.

The answer is:

 

1

18

 

which we write as   1/18.

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