Solving the Rational Expression -1/2x
Below is the detailed explanation of how to solve the rational expression -1/2x using suitable properties:
- Property Used: Multiplicative Inverse Property
- The multiplicative inverse property states that the product of a number and its multiplicative inverse is equal to 1. In other words, if we have a number x, its multiplicative inverse is 1/x.
- Applying the Property:
- In the given expression -1/2x, we can rewrite it as -1 * 1/(2x).
- By applying the multiplicative inverse property, we can rewrite it as -1 * (1/2) * (1/x).
- Simplifying the Expression:
- Multiplying -1 and 1/2 gives us -1/2.
- Therefore, the expression simplifies to -1/2x = -1/2x.
- Conclusion:
- By using the multiplicative inverse property, we were able to simplify the rational expression -1/2x to -1/2x. This property is essential in simplifying rational expressions and solving mathematical problems efficiently.