1/4 Divided By 1/3: Simple Steps To Solve It!
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When it comes to fractions, many people find them challenging and intimidating. However, understanding how to divide fractions is a skill that can be mastered with just a few simple steps. In this article, we'll break down the process of dividing ( \frac{1}{4} ) by ( \frac{1}{3} ), so you can tackle similar problems with confidence. Let's get started! 📝
Understanding Fractions
Before we dive into the division itself, let’s review what fractions are. A fraction consists of two parts:
- Numerator: The top number, which represents how many parts we have.
- Denominator: The bottom number, which indicates into how many equal parts the whole is divided.
For example, in ( \frac{1}{4} ), 1 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator. This fraction represents one part out of four equal parts of a whole.
Step 1: Rewrite the Division Problem
The first step in dividing fractions is to rewrite the division as a multiplication problem. When dividing by a fraction, you multiply by its reciprocal (which is simply flipping the numerator and denominator of the fraction).
So, for our problem ( \frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{3} ), we can rewrite it as:
[ \frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{4} \times \frac{3}{1} ]
Step 2: Multiply the Numerators
Now that we have rewritten the division as a multiplication, it’s time to multiply the numerators together.
[ 1 \times 3 = 3 ]
Step 3: Multiply the Denominators
Next, we multiply the denominators together:
[ 4 \times 1 = 4 ]
Step 4: Combine the Results
Now that we have the results from the numerators and denominators, we can combine them to form the new fraction:
[ \frac{3}{4} ]
Step 5: Simplifying the Result (If Necessary)
In this case, ( \frac{3}{4} ) is already in its simplest form, so we do not need to simplify it further.
Final Answer
So, the answer to the problem ( \frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{3} ) is:
[ \frac{3}{4} ]
Summary of Steps
To summarize the steps we took to divide ( \frac{1}{4} ) by ( \frac{1}{3} ):
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rewrite Division | ( \frac{1}{4} \div \frac{1}{3} ) becomes ( \frac{1}{4} \times \frac{3}{1} ) | ( \frac{1}{4} \times \frac{3}{1} ) |
| 2. Multiply Numerators | ( 1 \times 3 ) | 3 |
| 3. Multiply Denominators | ( 4 \times 1 ) | 4 |
| 4. Combine | ( \frac{3}{4} ) | Final answer: ( \frac{3}{4} ) |
Important Notes
- Remember, dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. This is a crucial concept to master when working with fractions. 🌟
- Always check if the final answer can be simplified, although in this case, ( \frac{3}{4} ) is already in simplest form.
With these simple steps, you can confidently tackle any fraction division problem! Practice with different fractions and soon you’ll find yourself solving them effortlessly. Happy calculating! 🧮