SOLUTION: When dividing a set of fractions, why do you take the reciprocol of the second fraction and change it to multiplication?

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Divisibility and Prime Numbers -> SOLUTION: When dividing a set of fractions, why do you take the reciprocol of the second fraction and change it to multiplication?      Log On

Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!

   

Question 489336: When dividing a set of fractions, why do you take the reciprocol of the second fraction and change it to multiplication?
Answer by Flannery(124) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You do it because multiplication and division are inverse operations, that is to say they are the opposites of each other. A similar question is "Why is
3 +(-3) a subtraction problem?" Because adding the opposite of a number is subtracting the number. The reciprocol of a fraction is it's opposite. Multiplying by the opposite of a fraction is dividing by the fraction.