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How to Know When to Switch a Fraction to a Multiplicative Inverse

You get the multiplicative inverse of a fraction by switching its numerator and denominator. For example, the multiplicative inverse of "2/3" is "3/2." This function is used in equations where you are dividing fractions. You find the multiplicative inverse of the second number and then multiply instead of dividing. For example, "(a/b) / (c/d)" is the same as "(a/b) x (d/c)." The value "(d/c) is the multiplicative inverse of "(c/d)." A multiplicative inverse is the same as a reciprocal.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your equation includes a division function. You only use multiplicative inverses in division problems.

    • 2

      Check if your equation includes a fraction. If there is no fraction in your equation, you will not use a multiplicative inverse. Always find the multiplicative inverse of the second number, even if it is a whole number. For example, if the equation is "(7/8) / 2," change the equation to "(7/8) x (1/2)." In this example, "(1/2)" is multiplicative inverse of "2."

    • 3

      Determine that the fraction is not part of a mixed number before you change it to its multiplicative inverse. If the fraction is part of a mixed number, first change the mixed number into an improper fraction before switching to the multiplicative inverse. For example, in the equation "(3/4) / (1 1/2)," change "1 1/2" to "3/2."

K-12 Basics
K-12 Basics
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