How do you divide a whole number by a fraction?

To divide a whole number by a fraction, change the whole number to an improper fraction. Write the reciprocal of the divisor. Simplify the fractions if possible. Multiply the numerators and then the denominators.

Example:

To divide a whole number by a fraction:

Ben has 5 liters of sports drink. He wants to serve img liter to each of his teammates. To find how many teammates Ben can serve the drink to, divide 5 by img.

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First, write the whole number as an improper fraction. Then, write the reciprocal of the divisor by switching the numerator and denominator.

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Always check if the fractions are in simplest form. These fractions are in simplest form because no numerator and denominator have a common factor. Now multiply the numerators and then the denominators.

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Write the product as a whole or mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

The improper fraction img equals 20. Ben can serve 20 teammates.

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