Reciprocals

I have a question about reciprocals in One Step Multiplication equation section.

My book shows the reciprocal of -2/3 as -3/2. Is this correct?

It gives the correct answer but I would have thought the reciprocal was 3/-2!!

What is the thinking here?

Thank you
Joni

Comments for
Reciprocals

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jan 06, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reciprocals
by: Karin

Hi Joni,

You have a great question.

Actually -3/2 is exactly the same as 3/-2.

Think about your division rules. A negative divided by positive results in a negative answer.

And... a positive divided by a negative results in a negative answer. Therefore -3/2 = 3/-2.

Most of the time if the answer is negative, you will see the negative symbol with the numerator. This indicates that the whole answer is negative.

I hope this helps,
Karin

Click here to add your own comments


Having Trouble with Your Homework?

algebrator

[ ?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines


Enjoy This Site?
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?

| Homepage | Contact Me | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer |Affiliates



Return to top
Copyright© Algebra-class.com 2009.