Question

What is the first step for finding the quotient?

1) Multiply the numerators and denominators to get the quotient.
2) Take the reciprocal of the dividend to get the quotient.
3) Take the reciprocal of the divisor to get the quotient.
4) These expressions cannot be divided.

Answer 1

To find the quotient when dividing fractions, take the reciprocal of the divisor and multiply it by the dividend, then simplify the result if possible. The correct answer to the question is to take the reciprocal of the divisor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first step for finding the quotient when dividing fractions is to take the reciprocal of the divisor and then multiply it by the dividend. This method is sometimes referred to as 'multiply by the reciprocal' or 'invert and multiply.' The reciprocal of a number is simply flipped; the numerator becomes the denominator and the denominator becomes the numerator.

Here is a step-by-step example:

Start with your division problem (e.g., ½ ÷ ¼).

Keep the first fraction (the dividend) the same (½).

Take the reciprocal of the second fraction (the divisor), which means swapping the top and bottom numbers (¼ becomes 4/1).

Multiply these two fractions together (e.g., ½ x 4/1 = 4/2).

Simplify the resulting fraction, if possible (e.g., 4/2 simplifies to 2).

Using this method, you will find that the correct answer is number 3: Take the reciprocal of the divisor to get the quotient.