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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.

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Q: Why do you use the reciprocal when dividing fractions?
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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.


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Convert them to improper fractions.


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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.


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This is because dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.


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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!


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)


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This is related to the fact that dividing by a number is the same as multiplying with the number's reciprocal.


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.


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Change the second fraction to its reciprocal. Multiply them.


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