Easy Method For Reciprocal Calculations?

[SyrianHero]

I can't seem to figure out a way to quickly calculate reciprocals like 1/12, 5/17, 32/101. Does anyone have a method for calculating these fractions on the MCAT?

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[El-Rami]

For the first fraction (1/12), I would just memorize the decimal value. For the last two fractions, use approximation. For example, 5/17 becomes 5/15 = 1/3 = 0.33 (Actual value is a little less than 0.33, .294). 32/101 becomes 30/100 = 3/10 = 0.3; the actual value is very close to 0.3 (.317). There are some methods for getting an exact value without calculator (splitting values and combining like terms, etc.) but math calculations should be able to be done with approximations because the answer choices are so far apart.

 

[texasdevil]

For the MCAT, approximating will do. Recognize that 1/12 is less than 1/10, 5/17 is between 1/4 and 1/3 (roughly halfway between), and 32/101 is pretty much the same as 32/100. You will rarely have to solve complex fractions by hand, as often times these will cancel out with other fractions in a calculation. Remember to set up an equation first with fractions and then try to solve instead of solving it piecewise.