Find the Opposite Number of 1⅖: Mixed Number Conversion

Reciprocal Calculation with Mixed Numbers

Convert 125 1\frac{2}{5} into its reciprocal form:

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the reciprocal number
00:04 Break down the number into whole number and remainder
00:14 Convert from whole number to proper fraction
00:19 Combine under common denominator to get the fraction
00:34 Use the formula to find the reciprocal number
00:37 Any number multiplied by its reciprocal always equals 1
00:45 Switch between numerator and denominator to get the reciprocal number
00:48 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Convert 125 1\frac{2}{5} into its reciprocal form:

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Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of finding the opposite number of 125 1\frac{2}{5} , follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Convert the mixed number 125 1\frac{2}{5} into an improper fraction.
  • Step 2: Calculate the reciprocal of that improper fraction.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction. A mixed number like 125 1\frac{2}{5} can be expressed as 75 \frac{7}{5} . Here's how:
- Multiply the whole number (1) by the denominator of the fractional part (5), giving 1×5=5 1 \times 5 = 5 .
- Add the numerator of the fractional part (2) to this result, resulting in 5+2=7 5 + 2 = 7 .
- The improper fraction is thus 75\frac{7}{5}.

Step 2: Determine the reciprocal of 75\frac{7}{5}.
- The reciprocal of a fraction is obtained by swapping its numerator and denominator.
- Therefore, the reciprocal of 75\frac{7}{5} is 57\frac{5}{7}.

Comparing the result with the multiple-choice options, the correct choice is 57\frac{5}{7}, which is option 2.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 57\frac{5}{7}.

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Final Answer

57 \frac{5}{7}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Conversion Rule: Mixed number to improper fraction before finding reciprocal
  • Technique: For 125 1\frac{2}{5} , multiply 1×5+2 = 7, so 75 \frac{7}{5}
  • Check: Reciprocal times original equals 1: 57×75=1 \frac{5}{7} \times \frac{7}{5} = 1

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Finding the reciprocal of the mixed number directly
    Don't flip 125 1\frac{2}{5} to get 251 \frac{2}{5}1 or 52 \frac{5}{2} = wrong answer! Mixed numbers must be converted to improper fractions first. Always convert 125 1\frac{2}{5} to 75 \frac{7}{5} , then flip to get 57 \frac{5}{7} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

What will be the sign of the result of the next exercise?

\( (-2)\cdot(-4)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just flip the fraction part of the mixed number?

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Because the mixed number 125 1\frac{2}{5} represents addition of a whole and a fraction! You need the complete value as one fraction before finding its reciprocal.

How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

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Use the formula: whole × denominator + numerator. For 125 1\frac{2}{5} : multiply 1×5=5, then add 2 to get 7. So 125=75 1\frac{2}{5} = \frac{7}{5} .

What exactly is a reciprocal?

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A reciprocal is the flip of a fraction. When you multiply a number by its reciprocal, you always get 1. The reciprocal of 75 \frac{7}{5} is 57 \frac{5}{7} .

How can I check if my reciprocal is correct?

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Multiply your answer by the original improper fraction. If you get 1, it's correct! Check: 57×75=3535=1 \frac{5}{7} \times \frac{7}{5} = \frac{35}{35} = 1

Is there a difference between 'opposite' and 'reciprocal'?

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Yes! The opposite of a number is its negative (like -5 for 5), while the reciprocal is what you multiply by to get 1. This problem asks for the reciprocal, not the opposite.

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