AI generatedNumberKey Stage 3

Cancelling common factors before dividing fractions

First turn division into multiplication by the reciprocal of the second fraction.

  • First turn division into multiplication by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
  • Now cancel common factors between the numerator and denominator products.
  • Do not cancel across a division sign before rewriting it as multiplication.

Example 1

Calculate by cancelling common factors before multiplying.

Multiply by the reciprocal first.Write numerator and denominator as products.Divide the numerator and denominator by 10.

Example 2

Calculate by cancelling common factors before multiplying.

Multiply by the reciprocal first.Write numerator and denominator as products.Divide the numerator and denominator by 18.

Remember
Use the worked steps to check your method, not just the final answer.

Your turn

Question 1

Calculate by cancelling common factors before multiplying.

Check answer
Multiply by the reciprocal first.Write numerator and denominator as products.Divide the numerator and denominator by 28.
Question 2

Calculate by cancelling common factors before multiplying.

Check answer
Multiply by the reciprocal first.Write numerator and denominator as products.Divide the numerator and denominator by 40.
Question 3

Calculate by cancelling common factors before multiplying.

Check answer
Multiply by the reciprocal first.Write numerator and denominator as products.Divide the numerator and denominator by 54.
Question 4

Calculate by cancelling common factors before multiplying.

Check answer
Multiply by the reciprocal first.Write numerator and denominator as products.Divide the numerator and denominator by 20.
Question 5

Calculate by cancelling common factors before multiplying.

Check answer
Multiply by the reciprocal first.Write numerator and denominator as products.Divide the numerator and denominator by 33.
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