To divide a fraction by a whole number, rewrite the whole number as a fraction over 1, flip it to find its reciprocal, then multiply. Dividing three-fourths by two becomes three-fourths times one-half, which equals three-eighths. Learn the rule with worked steps.
The rule: multiply by the reciprocal
To divide a fraction by a whole number, rewrite the division as multiplication by the whole number's reciprocal. The reciprocal of a whole number n is 1/n, so dividing by 2 is the same as multiplying by 1/2.
Dividing 3/4 by 2 becomes multiplying 3/4 by the reciprocal of 2, which is 1/2, giving 3/8.
Step by step
Write the whole number as a fraction over 1 (2 becomes 2/1).
Flip it to find its reciprocal (2/1 becomes 1/2).
Multiply the original fraction by that reciprocal: numerator × numerator, denominator × denominator.
Simplify the result if possible.
Why this works
Dividing by a number and multiplying by its reciprocal always give the same result, because a number times its reciprocal equals 1. Splitting 3/4 into 2 equal parts means each part is half of 3/4, which is exactly 3/4 × 1/2.