Fraction Calculator · Practical guide
How to Divide Fractions Step by Step
Keep the first fraction, flip the second, and multiply — the classic keep-change-flip method with worked examples.
At a glance
The Short Answer
To divide fractions, flip the second fraction and multiply. So 5/6 ÷ 2/3 becomes 5/6 × 3/2 = 15/12, which simplifies to 5/4 = 1 1/4 = 1.250000. The calculator above runs the division, simplifies the result, and shows every step.
Interactive tool
Fraction Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Result
The Formula
For fractions a/b and c/d, division is:
a/b ÷ c/d = (a·d) / (b·c)
Flipping the second fraction gives its reciprocal, and multiplying by the reciprocal is exactly what division means.
Worked Example: 5/6 ÷ 2/3
- Flip the second fraction: 2/3 becomes 3/2
- Multiply numerators: 5 × 3 = 15
- Multiply denominators: 6 × 2 = 12
- Simplify 15/12 by the greatest common divisor, 3: 5/4
Another Example: 3/8 ÷ 3/4
Flip 3/4 to 4/3, then multiply: 3/8 × 4/3 = 12/24. Simplify by dividing top and bottom by 12: 1/2 = 0.500000. A quick sanity check: 3/4 is twice 3/8, so the answer of one half makes sense.
Why You Cannot Divide by Zero
If the second fraction equals zero (a numerator of 0), its reciprocal would have a zero denominator, which is undefined. The calculator rejects that input for the same reason it rejects any zero denominator — division by zero has no answer.
Dividing Mixed Numbers
Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction first, then keep-change-flip as usual. For 1 1/2 ÷ 3/4, convert 1 1/2 to 3/2, then compute 3/2 × 4/3 = 12/6 = 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does keep-change-flip mean?
It is a mnemonic for dividing fractions: keep the first fraction, change the division sign to multiplication, and flip the second fraction into its reciprocal. It is exactly the (a·d)/(b·c) formula.
Do I need a common denominator to divide fractions?
No. Common denominators are only needed for adding and subtracting. Division just needs the reciprocal of the second fraction.
What if the answer is an improper fraction?
That is fine — the calculator shows the simplified improper fraction and its decimal value. You can convert it to a mixed number by dividing: 5/4 = 1 1/4.
Can I divide a fraction by a whole number?
Yes. Write the whole number over 1, then flip and multiply. For example, 3/4 ÷ 2 = 3/4 × 1/2 = 3/8.