When dividing fractions, which of the following is the first step?

When dividing fractions, the first step involves multiplying by the reciprocal of the fraction you are dividing by. This process effectively transforms the division into a multiplication problem, which is generally simpler to solve.

For example, if you are dividing 1/2 by 1/3, you take the reciprocal of 1/3, which is 3/1, and then multiply 1/2 by 3/1. This simplifies the operation to (1/2) * (3/1), which equals 3/2.

This method is fundamental in fraction arithmetic because it allows you to retain the same numerical relationships while simplifying the operation. Other options mentioned, such as estimating the quotient or finding a common denominator, are not applicable to division and do not serve as initial steps in the division of fractions. Reducing fractions can be helpful but is typically done after performing operations rather than as the first step in dividing fractions. Thus, multiplying by the reciprocal is the logical and standard procedure in this context.