When dividing fractions, what is the first step in the process?

The process of dividing fractions begins with inverting the second fraction, which means you take the reciprocal of that fraction. This step is crucial because dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. By flipping the second fraction (the one you are dividing by), you set up the multiplication format that allows for straightforward calculation.

For example, if you are dividing 1/2 by 3/4, you would first invert 3/4 to get 4/3, transforming the problem into 1/2 multiplied by 4/3. This method simplifies the division process and maintains the same overall value. The subsequent step would then involve multiplying the numerators and denominators to reach the final answer.

The other methods mentioned in the choices do not align with the correct process for dividing fractions and might lead to confusion or incorrect results. Multiplying the numerators or adding the denominators would not yield the necessary transformation for fraction division, while finding a common denominator is applicable in addition or subtraction of fractions, not division.