Understanding the Math Behind Fraction Division | Maths Explanation for C++ Kids
C++ makes it easy to perform arithmetic operations like dividing fractions. Whether you're simplifying fractions, multiplying them, or coding a math class project, C++ provides clear syntax and powerful tools for beginners and students alike.
Dividing fractions in C++ is a great way to combine coding with math skills. In this tutorial, junior secondary students will learn how to use C++ to divide fractions step-by-step. We'll explore how to invert and multiply fractions, write a C++ class for fraction operations, and understand the logic behind the algorithm.
Division is the inverse operation of multiplication; That is exactly what we'll do with for fractions.
Invert the fractions that come after a division sign, as well as change the division sign to multiplication, and then
follow through with multiplication, as already explained in the
Multiplying Fractions with C++ tutorial.
Algorithm Steps to Divide Fractions in C++
Say we are to implement a C++ algorithm to divide the given fractional expression
21/8 ÷ 7/2;
Inverting this will yield
21/8 ÷ 7/2;
Then we can go ahead and multiply.
Create a new C++ class file;
Call it DivideFraction.
Type out the adjoining C++ code for dividing Fractions.
Note: You can comment out the MultiplyFraction C++ object code in the main class from the previous lesson or simply continue from where it stopped.
So! C++ Fun Practice Exercise - Divide Fractions
As a fun practice exercise, feel free to try out your own fractions with different numerators and denominators, and see how the C++ code divides those fractions.
C++ Code for Dividing Fractions - Header File
#include "MultiplyFraction.h"
class DivideFraction : public MultiplyFraction {
public:
DivideFraction(vector<unsigned>, vector<unsigned>);
virtual ~DivideFraction();
void doDivide();
};
C++ Code for Dividing Fractions - Class File
#include "DivideFraction.h"
DivideFraction::DivideFraction(vector<unsigned> num, vector<unsigned> denom) : MultiplyFraction(num, denom) {
}
void DivideFraction::doDivide() {
unsigned temp;
// Invert every other fraction but the first
for (unsigned i = 1; i < numerators.size(); i++) {
temp = numerators[i];
numerators[i] = denominators[i];
denominators[i] = temp;
}
doMultiply();
}
DivideFraction::~DivideFraction() {
}
C++ Code for Dividing Fractions - Main Class
//
#include "stdafx.h"
#include "DivideFraction.h"
#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <exception>
using namespace std;
int main()
{
cout << "\n Welcome to our demonstration sequels";
cout << "\n Hope you enjoy (and follow) the lessons.\n\n";
vector<unsigned> numerators;
vector<unsigned> denominators;
try {
/*
* Dividing fractions
*/
numerators = { 16, 9, 640, 7 };
denominators = { 9, 20, 27, 20 };
cout << "\n Solving:\n";
// Print as fraction
for (unsigned n : numerators) {
printf("%13u", n);
}
printf("\n%12s", " ");
for (unsigned i = 0; i < numerators.size() - 1; i++) {
cout << "- / ";
}
printf("%2s\n", "-");
for (unsigned d : denominators) {
printf("%13u", d);
}
cout << "\n";
// use the DivideFraction class
DivideFraction div_fract(numerators, denominators);
div_fract.doDivide();
printf("\n%25u\n", div_fract.answer[0]);
printf("%25s\n", "Answer = -");
printf("%25u\n", div_fract.answer[1]);
cout << "\n\n";
} catch (exception& e) {
cout << "\n" << e.what() << "\n";
}
return 0;
}