Divide a Whole Number by a Fraction

In this activity, we will practise dividing a whole number by a fraction.

 

The method we're going to use is KFC

 

 

No, not the takeaway chicken - something much better!

 

KFC stands for Keep Flip Change

 

First, we keep the first number or fraction unchanged.

Next, we flip the second fraction upside down.

Finally, we change the sign between the two fractions or numbers from ÷ to x.

 

If we are dividing whole numbers by fractions, we just keep the whole number unchanged, just as you would if it had been a fraction.

 

Examples

 

15 ÷ 5/6

Keep the whole number as it is: 15

Flip the fraction you're dividing by: 6/5

Change the sign to x

Now we have 15 x 6/5

 

The rule for multiplying a whole number by a fraction is divide the big number by the bottom number and multiply by the top number.

 

15 x 6/5

15 ÷ 5 = 3

3 x 6 = 18

So 15 ÷ 5/6 = 18

 

Let's look at another one.

 

32 ÷ 8/11

 

Keep 32 unchanged: 32

Flip the fraction you're dividing by: 11/8

Change the sign to x

 

32 x 11/8

Divide the big number by the bottom number: 32 ÷ 8 = 4

Multiply by the top number: 4 x 11 = 44

So, 32 ÷ 8/11 = 44

 

Shall we have a go at some questions?