FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

In multiplication, what is the inverse used to find?

1. A number such that multiplied by itself equals zero

2. A number such that when multiplied results in one

3. A number that simplifies complex equations

4. A number to complete the square

The correct answer is: A number such that when multiplied results in one

The correct answer is a number such that when multiplied results in one. This concept is essential in understanding inverse operations in mathematics, specifically within the context of multiplication and division. In multiplication, the inverse of a number is its reciprocal. For example, if you take the number 5, its inverse is 1/5. When you multiply 5 by 1/5, the result is 1, demonstrating that the reciprocal is the number that "undoes" the multiplication, returning the product to the identity element of multiplication, which is one. Understanding this principle highlights the importance of reciprocals, especially in solving equations and performing algebraic manipulations. For instance, when you need to isolate a variable in an equation, you can multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the coefficient of that variable to achieve balance. The other options presented do not accurately reflect the definition or application of an inverse in multiplication. Being aware of these distinctions can help in correctly identifying and applying mathematical concepts related to inverses.