What identity is this? (Division to multiplication )

In summary, there is no specific identity that converts a/b to ab or A^2/B^2 to (A^2)(B^2). However, there are related identities such as dividing by a number b being the same as multiplying by its reciprocal (1/b), using the Newton Raphson method for division, or A/B = AB-1.
  • #1
musiclover55
12
0
This isn't a homework help issue, I just want to know what identity(?) this is.

a/b to ab

or A^2/B^2 to (A^2)(B^2)
 
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  • #2
musiclover55 said:
This isn't a homework help issue, I just want to know what identity(?) this is.

a/b to ab

or A^2/B^2 to (A^2)(B^2)
There is no identity that converts a/b to ab, nor is there one to convert A2/B2 to A2B2.

What you might be thinking of is this one:

$$ \frac{a}{b} = a \cdot \frac{1}{b}$$

In other words, dividing by a number b is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal of b (1/b).
 
  • #3
Mark44 said:
What you might be thinking of is this one:

$$ \frac{a}{b} = a \cdot \frac{1}{b}$$

Or maybe this one:$$
\frac a {\frac 1 b} = ab$$
 
  • #4
Although this probably isn't what you're looking for, there is a way to implement division or more specifically 1/b by iterating multiplications and additions via Newton Raphson method, but this seems unlikely to be what you're looking for.

For 1/b the iternation is:

xi+1 = xi (2 - b xi)

This converges quadratically. For integers, usually a table of bytes is used to get the initial approximation.
 
  • #5
Yea, thanks everyone. I thought that was possible, but obviously it's not lol.
 
  • #6
Yet another possibility: A/B= AB-1
 

What is the concept of identity in division and multiplication?

The concept of identity in division and multiplication refers to the numbers or expressions that, when used in an operation, will not change the value of the other number or expression. In division, the identity is 1, as any number divided by 1 will remain the same. In multiplication, the identity is also 1, as any number multiplied by 1 will also remain the same.

How do you identify the identity in a division or multiplication problem?

To identify the identity in a division or multiplication problem, you can look for the numbers or expressions that, when used in the operation, will not change the value of the other number or expression. For example, in the division problem 10 ÷ 1, the number 1 is the identity as it will not change the value of 10. Similarly, in the multiplication problem 5 x 1, the number 1 is the identity as it will not change the value of 5.

What is the difference between the identity in division and multiplication?

The main difference between the identity in division and multiplication is the operation that is being performed. In division, the identity is the number that, when divided by any other number, will result in the same number. In multiplication, the identity is the number that, when multiplied by any other number, will result in the same number. Additionally, the identity in division is always 1, while in multiplication it can be different numbers depending on the context.

Why is understanding the concept of identity important in mathematics?

Understanding the concept of identity is important in mathematics because it allows us to simplify complex operations and equations. By identifying the identity in a division or multiplication problem, we can eliminate unnecessary steps and focus on the essential components of the problem. Additionally, understanding the identity helps us to recognize patterns and make connections between different mathematical concepts.

Can the identity in division or multiplication ever be a different number besides 1?

Yes, in certain contexts, the identity in division or multiplication can be a different number besides 1. For example, in matrices, the identity matrix is a square matrix with 1s on the main diagonal and 0s everywhere else. In this case, the identity in multiplication is not 1, but rather a matrix with specific elements. However, in basic arithmetic operations, the identity will always be 1 for both division and multiplication.

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