SOLUTION: I do not seem to understand reciprocals. I have a couple of problems as examples that I am trying to work through. The question is: Rewrite the division as multiplication by the

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Question 428981: I do not seem to understand reciprocals. I have a couple of problems as examples that I am trying to work through.
The question is: Rewrite the division as multiplication by the reciprocal. Evaluate the expressions.

3 divided by 1/4

1/3 divided by 1/4
3/4 divided by 2
3/2 divided by 3
the next couple of them I am also having problems with:
evaluate the expressions:
3/4 * 1/3
-2/5 * 3/4
7/8 * -1/4



Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
To get a reciprocal you simply invert the fraction. For example, the reciprocal of 6/7 is 7/6. Also, the reciprocal of an integer, say -5, is -1/5, and vice versa.

To do the operation "3 divided by 1/4" you reciprocate 1/4 and multiply. Hence, 3 divided by 1/4 is the same as 3 times 4, or 12.