The numerator divides exactly
6⁄7 ÷ 3
- 6 ÷ 3 = 2 with nothing left over, so we can divide the numerator.
- The size of the pieces stays the same (1⁄7), so the denominator stays 7. The answer is 2⁄7.
Answer: 2⁄7
Year 6 · Arithmetic skills · Skill 12A
Skill 12A: Dividing fractions by whole numbers
Divide a proper fraction by a whole number and simplify.
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Worked examples
Dividing a fraction by a whole number makes the pieces smaller. If the numerator divides exactly, divide it. If not, multiply the denominator.
The numerator does not divide exactly
3⁄4 ÷ 6
- 3 cannot be divided by 6 exactly. Instead, make the pieces smaller by multiplying the denominator by 6: 4 × 6 = 24.
- The numerator stays 3, so 3⁄4 ÷ 6 = 3⁄24.
- Simplify: divide the top and bottom by 3. 3⁄24 = 1⁄8.
Answer: 1⁄8
Top tips
- Dividing by 2 is the same as finding half.
- Dividing a fraction by a whole number gives a smaller fraction.
- Simplify at the end.
Watch out for
- Dividing the denominator by the whole number, which makes the answer bigger.
- Not simplifying.
Try some questions
These are from the worksheet. Work each one out, then open it to check.
- 1⁄2 ÷ 2 =
Show the answer
1⁄4
- 7⁄8 ÷ 5 =
Show the answer
7⁄40
- 7⁄10 ÷ 4 =
Show the answer
7⁄40
- 19⁄21 ÷ 7 =
Show the answer
19⁄147