Divide Fractions in Java | Junior Secondary Math Tutorial

Understanding the Math Behind Fraction Division | Maths Explanation for Java Kids

Java makes it easy to perform arithmetic operations like dividing fractions. Whether you're simplifying fractions, multiplying them, or coding a math class project, Java provides clear syntax and powerful tools for beginners and students alike.

Dividing fractions in Java is a great way to combine coding with math skills. In this tutorial, junior secondary students will learn how to use Java to divide fractions step-by-step. We'll explore how to invert and multiply fractions, write a Java 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.

Algorithm Steps to Divide Fractions in Java

Say we are to implement a Java 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 Java class file; Call it DivideFraction.
Type out the adjoining Java code for dividing fractions.

Note: You can comment out the MultiplyFraction Java object code in the main class from the previous lesson or simply continue from where it stopped.

So! Java 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 Java code divides those fractions.

Java Code for Dividing Fractions - Class File

package algebra;

import java.util.List;

public class DivideFraction extends MultiplyFraction {

    public DivideFraction(List<Integer> num, List<Integer> denom){
        super(num, denom);
    }

    public int[] doDivide(){
        int temp;
        // Invert every other fraction but the first
        for(int i=1; i<numerators.size(); i++){
            temp = numerators.get(i);
            numerators.set(i, denominators.get(i));
            denominators.set(i, temp);
        }
        return doMultiply();
    }
}

Java Code for Dividing Fractions - Main Class

package algebra;

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

public class Algebra {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        int numerator;
        int denominator;
        List<Integer> numerators;
        List<Integer> denominators;
        int[] solution;

        System.out.println("Welcome to our demonstration sequels");
        System.out.println("Hope you enjoy (and follow) the lessons.");
        System.out.println("");

        /*
        * Dividing fractions
         */
        numerators = new ArrayList<>();
        numerators.add(16);
        numerators.add(9);
        numerators.add(640);
        numerators.add(7);

        denominators = new ArrayList<>();
        denominators.add(9);
        denominators.add(20);
        denominators.add(27);
        denominators.add(20);

        System.out.println("Solving:");
        // Print as fraction
        for (int n : numerators) {
            System.out.printf("%13d", n);
        }
        System.out.println();
        System.out.printf("%12s", " ");
        for (int i = 0; i < numerators.size() - 1; i++) {
            System.out.print("―     ÷     ");
        }
        System.out.printf("%2s", "―");
        System.out.println();
        for (int d : denominators) {
            System.out.printf("%13d", d);
        }
        System.out.println();

        // use the DivideFraction class
        DivideFraction div_fract = new DivideFraction(numerators, denominators);
        solution = div_fract.doDivide();
        numerator = solution[0];
        denominator = solution[1];

        System.out.println();

        System.out.printf("%25d%n", numerator);
        System.out.printf("%24s%n", "Answer = ―");
        System.out.printf("%25d%n", denominator);

        System.out.println("\n\n");
    }

}

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