Multiplicative Inverse

A multiplicative inverse is a number that, when multiplied by a given number, results in 1. For example, the multiplicative inverse of 5 is 1/5, because 5 × 1/5 = 1. This concept is crucial in solving equations and working with fractions, as it helps "undo" multiplication. Not all numbers have inverses; only those that are not zero, in the context of real numbers, have multiplicative inverses. Essentially, the inverse acts as a reciprocal, reversing the effect of the original number in multiplication.