What's the Reciprocal Rule of Division?

What's the Reciprocal Rule of Division?

Note:

When you divide fractions, the trick is to rewrite division as a multiplication. But the truth is that you can always rewrite division as a multiplication, and in this tutorial you'll see the rule that makes that possible!

Keywords:

  • definition
  • reciprocal
  • reciprocal rule of division
  • division
  • fraction

Background Tutorials

  • Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).

      • What is a Variable?What is a Variable?

      What is a Variable?

      You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!

Further Exploration

  • Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem.

      • What's a Reciprocal?What's a Reciprocal?

      What's a Reciprocal?

      Reciprocals are important when it comes to dividing fractions, finding perpendicular lines, dealing with inverse proportions, and so much more! In this tutorial you can review the basics about reciprocals.

  • Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with rational numbers.

  • Understand that rational expressions form a system analogous to the rational numbers, closed under addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by a nonzero rational expression; add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.

      • How Do You Divide Two Rational Expressions?How Do You Divide Two Rational Expressions?

      How Do You Divide Two Rational Expressions?

      Dividing two rational expressions? Turn it into a multiplication problem by multiplying by the reciprocal of the second rational expression (the divisor)! This tutorial shows you how to do just that! Then, you'll see how to perform the multiplication and simplify to get you answer!