Understanding Multiplicative Inverse

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

Understanding Multiplicative Inverse

In mathematics, the multiplicative inverse of a number is another number that, when multiplied together, results in a product of 1. This concept is crucial in various mathematical operations, including fractions and algebra. To find the multiplicative inverse of a number, we need to understand the concept of reciprocals.

Reciprocals and Multiplicative Inverse

A reciprocal of a number is simply its multiplicative inverse. For example, the reciprocal of 2 is $\frac{1}{2}$ , and the reciprocal of $\frac{1}{2}$ is 2. In the case of fractions, the reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by swapping its numerator and denominator.

Finding the Multiplicative Inverse of $-\frac{13}{2}$

To find the multiplicative inverse of $-\frac{13}{2}$ , we need to follow a simple step-by-step process.

Step 1: Understand the Concept of Reciprocals

As mentioned earlier, the reciprocal of a number is its multiplicative inverse. Therefore, to find the multiplicative inverse of $-\frac{13}{2}$ , we need to find its reciprocal.

Step 2: Swap the Numerator and Denominator

To find the reciprocal of $-\frac{13}{2}$ , we need to swap its numerator and denominator. This means that the new numerator will be 2, and the new denominator will be -13.

Step 3: Simplify the Fraction (if necessary)

After swapping the numerator and denominator, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. In this case, the fraction $\frac{2}{-13}$ can be simplified by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by -1 to get rid of the negative sign in the denominator.

Step 4: Write the Final Answer

After simplifying the fraction, we get the final answer, which is the multiplicative inverse of $-\frac{13}{2}$ .

The Correct Answer

Based on the steps outlined above, the correct answer is:

C. $-\frac{2}{13}$

Explanation

The multiplicative inverse of $-\frac{13}{2}$ is obtained by swapping its numerator and denominator, resulting in $\frac{2}{-13}$ . Simplifying this fraction by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by -1 gives us the final answer, which is $-\frac{2}{13}$ .

Conclusion

In conclusion, the multiplicative inverse of $-\frac{13}{2}$ is $-\frac{2}{13}$ . This concept is crucial in various mathematical operations, including fractions and algebra. Understanding the concept of reciprocals and multiplicative inverse is essential to solve problems involving fractions and algebra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the multiplicative inverse of a number?

A: The multiplicative inverse of a number is another number that, when multiplied together, results in a product of 1.

Q: How do I find the multiplicative inverse of a fraction?

A: To find the multiplicative inverse of a fraction, you need to swap its numerator and denominator.

Q: What is the difference between a reciprocal and a multiplicative inverse?

A: A reciprocal and a multiplicative inverse are the same thing. They are used interchangeably in mathematics.

Q: Can I simplify a fraction after swapping its numerator and denominator?

A: Yes, you can simplify a fraction after swapping its numerator and denominator. However, it is not always necessary to simplify the fraction.

Additional Resources

For more information on the concept of multiplicative inverse and reciprocals, you can refer to the following resources:

Khan Academy: Multiplicative Inverse
Mathway: Multiplicative Inverse
Wolfram Alpha: Multiplicative Inverse

Conclusion

$In conclusion, the multiplicative inverse of $-\frac{13}{2}$ is $-\frac{2}{13}$. This concept is crucial in various mathematical operations, including fractions and algebra. Understanding the concept of reciprocals and multiplicative inverse is essential to solve problems involving fractions and algebra.<br/> **Frequently Asked Questions: Multiplicative Inverse**$

Q: What is the multiplicative inverse of a number?

A: The multiplicative inverse of a number is another number that, when multiplied together, results in a product of 1. This concept is crucial in various mathematical operations, including fractions and algebra.

Q: How do I find the multiplicative inverse of a fraction?

A: To find the multiplicative inverse of a fraction, you need to swap its numerator and denominator. For example, the multiplicative inverse of $\frac{1}{2}$ is 2, and the multiplicative inverse of 2 is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: What is the difference between a reciprocal and a multiplicative inverse?

A: A reciprocal and a multiplicative inverse are the same thing. They are used interchangeably in mathematics. The term "reciprocal" is often used to refer to the multiplicative inverse of a number.

Q: Can I simplify a fraction after swapping its numerator and denominator?

A: Yes, you can simplify a fraction after swapping its numerator and denominator. However, it is not always necessary to simplify the fraction. In some cases, the fraction may already be in its simplest form.

Q: How do I know if a fraction is in its simplest form?

A: A fraction is in its simplest form if the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. For example, the fraction $\frac{2}{3}$ is in its simplest form because 2 and 3 have no common factors other than 1.

Q: What is the multiplicative inverse of a negative number?

A: The multiplicative inverse of a negative number is also negative. For example, the multiplicative inverse of -2 is $\frac{1}{-2}$ , which is equal to $-\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: Can I find the multiplicative inverse of a decimal number?

A: Yes, you can find the multiplicative inverse of a decimal number. To do this, you need to convert the decimal number to a fraction and then find its multiplicative inverse.

Q: How do I convert a decimal number to a fraction?

A: To convert a decimal number to a fraction, you need to express the decimal number as a ratio of two integers. For example, the decimal number 0.5 can be expressed as the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: What is the multiplicative inverse of a fraction with a zero denominator?

A: The multiplicative inverse of a fraction with a zero denominator is undefined. This is because division by zero is undefined in mathematics.

Q: Can I find the multiplicative inverse of a complex number?

A: Yes, you can find the multiplicative inverse of a complex number. To do this, you need to use the formula for the multiplicative inverse of a complex number, which is given by:

\frac{1}{a+bi} = \frac{a-bi}{a^2+b^2}

where $a$ and $b$ are the real and imaginary parts of the complex number, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the multiplicative inverse of a number is another number that, when multiplied together, results in a product of 1. This concept is crucial in various mathematical operations, including fractions and algebra. Understanding the concept of reciprocals and multiplicative inverse is essential to solve problems involving fractions and algebra.

Additional Resources

For more information on the concept of multiplicative inverse and reciprocals, you can refer to the following resources:

Khan Academy: Multiplicative Inverse
Mathway: Multiplicative Inverse
Wolfram Alpha: Multiplicative Inverse

Practice Problems

To practice finding the multiplicative inverse of a number, try the following problems:

Find the multiplicative inverse of 3.
Find the multiplicative inverse of $\frac{1}{2}$ .
Find the multiplicative inverse of -4.
Find the multiplicative inverse of $\frac{2}{3}$ .
Find the multiplicative inverse of 0.5.

Answer Key

$\frac{1}{3}$
2
$-\frac{1}{4}$
$\frac{3}{2}$
2