answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Because division by a number (the second fraction) is the same as multiplication by its reciprocal.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do you take the reciprocal of the second fraction when dividing?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Other Math

What is the reciprocal of a negative fraction?

Answer: -a/b is a fraction, its reciprocal is -b/a Why: Let's look at what reciprocal does. Take a fraction like 1/3 and its reciprocal is 3 . That is 1/ (1/3) and if we multiply the number by its reciprocal we get one. So now take -1/3. The question is whether the reciprocal is 3 or -3. If we multiply - 1/3 by 3 we have -1 and if we multiply it by -3 we have 1. The reciprocal of a positive or negative fraction is obtained by switching its numerator and denominator, the sign of the new fraction remains the same. So the answer is -3 and just as with positive fractions, we have the number multiplied by its reciprocal is 1


When multiplying a nonzero fraction by its reciprocal the product is call?

When you multiply a nonzero fraction by its reciprocal you get 1. Take this example.Lets say you have a fraction called (a/b). The reciprocal of that fraction would be (b/a). If you multiply the two you'd get (a/b)*(b/a)=(ab/ab). Anything divided by itself is 1.


What is the reciprocal of 1 and two fifths?

The reciprocal of a number is simply 1 divided by that number. To find the reciprocal of 1 and two fifths, you first convert the mixed number to an improper fraction, which is 7/5. Then, you take the reciprocal by dividing 1 by 7/5, which is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal of 7/5, which is 5/7. Therefore, the reciprocal of 1 and two fifths is 5/7.


Video of how to divide fractions?

You can search YouTube for "divide fractions", and find several.However, it isn't really that complicated; just remember the following simple rules:To divide one fraction by another fraction, take the reciprocal of the second fraction, then multiply.If you have mixed fractions, convert them both to improper fractions, then proceed as above (multiply by the reciprocal).


What are the steps to dividing a fraction in simplest form?

the first steps that you will have to take is gtegeagerge

Related questions

How are reciprocals used when dividing fractions?

When dividing fractions, take the reciprocal of the second fraction, and multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. Example: (a/b)/(c/d)=(a/b)*(d/c)


What is a reciprocal in math fractions?

A reciprocal is when you take the second fraction in a division problem and flip it Then change the sign to multiply. THIS ONLY WORKS WHEN YOU ARE DIVIDING FRACTIONS!


What is the reciprocal of -p over 4?

Reciprocal just means that you flip the fraction... your fraction is -p/4 the reciprocal is 4/-p the reciprocal is extremely important when dividing fractions. because when you divide fractions you have to take the reciprocal of the bottom fraction and then multiply it to your top fraction to get your answer.


When do you take the reciprocal of a fraction?

You take the reciprocal of a fraction when you want to invert the numerator and the denominator. The reciprocal of a fraction is found by flipping the fraction upside down. For example, the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2.


What is the reciprocal of five ninth?

To take the reciprocal of a fraction, exchange numerator and denominator. Thus, the reciprocal of 5/9 is 9/5.


What is the reciprocal of a negative fraction?

Answer: -a/b is a fraction, its reciprocal is -b/a Why: Let's look at what reciprocal does. Take a fraction like 1/3 and its reciprocal is 3 . That is 1/ (1/3) and if we multiply the number by its reciprocal we get one. So now take -1/3. The question is whether the reciprocal is 3 or -3. If we multiply - 1/3 by 3 we have -1 and if we multiply it by -3 we have 1. The reciprocal of a positive or negative fraction is obtained by switching its numerator and denominator, the sign of the new fraction remains the same. So the answer is -3 and just as with positive fractions, we have the number multiplied by its reciprocal is 1


When multiplying a nonzero fraction by its reciprocal the product is call?

When you multiply a nonzero fraction by its reciprocal you get 1. Take this example.Lets say you have a fraction called (a/b). The reciprocal of that fraction would be (b/a). If you multiply the two you'd get (a/b)*(b/a)=(ab/ab). Anything divided by itself is 1.


What is the reciprocal of twelve percent?

Twelve percent is equivalent to the fraction 12/100. To find the reciprocal of a number, you take its fraction form and switch the numerator (top) and denominator (bottom). So the reciprocal of 12% is 100/12.


Do you have to reciprocal with fractions?

no "to reciprocal" is meaningless. If you mean can you take a reciprocal of a fraction, then the reciprocal of 5/97, for example, is 97/5 in just the same way that the reciprocal of 2 (think of 2/1) is 1/2.


What is a reciprocal fraction?

A reciprocal fraction is when you take the entire fraction to the -1st power, essentially having one be divided by whatever fraction you chose--in other, more simpler words, just flip the numerator and denominator.So the reciprocal of 2/3 would be 3/2, of 5/107 107/5. The reciprocal of 2 is 1/2 because although 2 isn't a fraction, we can make it a fraction by rewriting it as 2/1.


What is reciprocal in a mixed?

Mixed fraction, I suppose. Convert the fraction to an improper fraction, and then take the reciprocal by exchanging numerator and denominator. Example: Calculate the reciprocal of 2 1/3 (two and one-third) 1 / (2 1/3) = 1 / (7/3) = 3/7


How do you figure out the reciprocal of a whole number and a fraction?

First take the bottom number times the side number and then add your answer to the top number. Then flip it and that's the reciprocal