How do you divide fractions?

To divide fractions, the established method is to multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. This process involves flipping the numerator and denominator of the second fraction, not the first one. Therefore, the correct approach is to determine the reciprocal of the fraction that is being divided by and then perform the multiplication.

In practice, if you have two fractions, say ( \frac{a}{b} ) divided by ( \frac{c}{d} ), you change the operation to multiplication by flipping the second fraction to become ( \frac{d}{c} ). Thus, the operation becomes ( \frac{a}{b} \times \frac{d}{c} ). This is why the concept of using the reciprocal of the second fraction is central to dividing fractions effectively.

The other options do not correctly represent the process of dividing fractions: multiplying by the reciprocal of the first fraction is incorrect, as you always take the reciprocal of the second fraction. Flipping the numerator and denominator of the first fraction is not relevant since you need to operate on the second. Adding fractions is an entirely different operation and does not apply to dividing them. Understanding this foundational method is crucial for solving problems involving fractions accurately.