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Why do you use the reciprocal when dividing whole numbers by fractions?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Well, for one thing, it is easier to multiply than to divide. If you divide by a fraction, the answer is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. For example, how much is 100 divided by 1/2? If you say 50, that's wrong. That's 100 times 1/2. Suppose you have $100 and you want to buy as many candy bars as you can at 50 cents each. That's 1/2 a dollar. If you bought 100 candy bars, that would cost $50. You have twice that much money, so you could buy twice as many. You could buy 200. So 100 divided by 1/2 is 200, not 50. The reciprocal of 1/2 is 2, and 100 times 2 is 200.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Are reciprocal fractions always a whole number?
No. The reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2.
What do fractions help with?
Fractions help with numbers that are not whole numbers.
How do you convert mixed fractions into whole numbers?
Mixed fractions can't become whole numbers.
How is adding fractions like adding whole numbers?
adding fractions is like adding a WHOLE lot of parts of numbers
When you divide a whole number by a fraction with a numerator of 1 explain how you can find the quotient?
When dividing by fractions, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction. In this case, it's the same as multiplying the whole number by the denominator. 5 divided by 1/2 = 5 x 2/1 = 10
What fractions or whole numbers are reciprocals?
The reciprocal of any whole number is one over that number, like 5 and 1/5
Are reciprocal fractions always a whole number?
No. The reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2.
How do you multiply hole numbers and fractions?
You simply put the whole number over one making it a fraction then you flip the reciprocal and divide the two fractions insted of multiplying.
Are fractions whole numbers?
No. All fractions are not whole numbers, but all whole numbers are [improper] fractions (with a denominator of 1).
What do fractions help with?
Fractions help with numbers that are not whole numbers.
Are there more fractions than there are whole numbers?
There are an infinite number of both fractions and whole numbers.
How do you convert mixed fractions into whole numbers?
Mixed fractions can't become whole numbers.
How do you construct a pie chart?
Ok, first you take whatever numbers you're using and put them into fractions of a whole. After that, turn the fractions into percentages by dividing. Next, make a circle and take the fractions and make them into parts of the whole circle. The measurements usually do not need to be perfect.
What algorithm makes sense for dividing any fraction by any whole number?
multiply by the reciprocal of the whole number
When you divide a whole number by a fraction with a numerator of 1 explain how you can find the quotient?
When dividing by fractions, multiply the whole number by the reciprocal of the fraction. In this case, it's the same as multiplying the whole number by the denominator. 5 divided by 1/2 = 5 x 2/1 = 10
How is adding fractions like adding whole numbers?
adding fractions is like adding a WHOLE lot of parts of numbers
How do write a fraction as a whole number?
The majority of fractions will not be able to become whole numbers. Certain improper fractions, where the numerator is a multiple of the denominator, can become whole numbers. No proper fractions can.
