Stage 3 · Fractions & Decimals
3.4.5 Dividing Fractions: Dividing Means Multiplying by the Reciprocal
3.4 Multiplying and Dividing Fractions: A Part of a Part, and Sharing in Reverse
Point 5 of 5
3.4.5 Dividing Fractions: Dividing Means Multiplying by the Reciprocal
Core idea"Half a pie shared among 1/4-sized portions" is really asking how many 1/4s fit inside, so division turns into multiplying by the reciprocal.
Module goal. Use area and the picture of "a part of a part" to understand fraction multiplication, use "equal sharing" for division, and master canceling and reciprocals.