Final answer:
The equation 8 x 1/8 = 1 demonstrates the multiplicative inverse property, showing that a number multiplied by its reciprocal equals 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation 8 x 1/8 = 1 illustrates the multiplicative inverse or reciprocal property. This property states that any number multiplied by its reciprocal equals one. Multiply 8 by its reciprocal, 1/8, and the product is 1. This is because the numerator and denominator of the fraction are of the same value, effectively canceling each other out and leaving you with 1.
Multiplying by 1 doesn't change a number's value, similar to how any fraction with the same numerator and denominator is equal to one. Indeed, multiplication and division are inversely related; dividing by a number is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. Applying this concept to the given equation shows a practical example of this mathematical rule.