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Think of it like this....
If we are dividing fractions and we set those fractions up in a fraction such as,
2/3
___
3/4
then how would we get rid of the bottom fraction? We would multiply it by the reciprocal 4/3, so that it's now equal to one, and then because we multiplied the bottom by 4/3, we must also multiply the top by 4/3. So now we have...
2/3 * 4/3
_______
3/4 * 4/3
= 8/9
___
1
= 8/9
That's why we multiply by the reciprocal of a fraction when dividing!
E2020 people this should be in your notes?
The reciprocal is one of two numbers whose product is 1; it is also called multiplicative inverse.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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Why do you need to find the reciprocal of the divisor when dividing a fraction?
It is not just in fractions. In general, division can be defined as multiplication by the reciprocal. For example, dividing by 5 is the same as multiplying by 0.2. However, it is mainly in calculations with fractions that this is normally used as a practical way of doing the calculations.
Why is dividing by a number the same as multiplying by its reciprocal?
That is the definition of reciprocal.
How can you use reducing fractions to demonstrate that the product of a fraction and it's reciprocal is 1?
Reduce to breakpoint at that time your reciprocal will be equal to your product of fraction.
Dividing by a nonzero number is the same as multiplying by the?
What is the inverse reciprocal of 0.01
What is 2 thirds divided by 1 fourth?
2
When dividing fractions is a reciprocal used by multiplying?
Yes. One method for dividing fractions is to multiply the numerator fraction by the reciprocal of the denominator fraction.
How can you use the reciprocal of a number when dividing a mixed number by a mixed number?
Convert them to improper fractions.
What is a unique way of how to solve dividing fractions?
There is very little that is unique about the process of dividing fractions. Multiply by the reciprocal.
Why is it that when solving a dividing fractions problem no actual dividing happens?
It's easier to multiply the reciprocal.
Why do you have to switch the numerator and denominator when dividing fractions?
This is because dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.
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!
Why does the method of dividing fractions work?
This is related to the fact that dividing by a number is the same as multiplying with the number's reciprocal.
How do you describe dividing fractions in two sentences?
Change the second fraction to its reciprocal. Multiply them.
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.
How do you divide fractions with un common denominators?
When dividing fractions, the denominators don't matter. Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second.
Why do you need to find the reciprocal of the divisor when dividing a fraction?
It is not just in fractions. In general, division can be defined as multiplication by the reciprocal. For example, dividing by 5 is the same as multiplying by 0.2. However, it is mainly in calculations with fractions that this is normally used as a practical way of doing the calculations.
