The Lesson
The reciprocal of a quantity is the result of dividing 1 by that quantity.Dictionary Definition
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a reciprocal as "based on an inverse relationship."Real Examples of Reciprocals
The reciprocal can't be found for numbers, letters and more complicated quantities, like terms and expressions.Type of Quantity | Quantity | Reciprocal |
---|---|---|
Numbers | ||
Letters | ||
Terms | ||
Expressions | ||
Reciprocals of Fractions
To find the reciprocal of a fraction, 1 is divided by the fraction. Dividing 1 by a fraction turns the fraction upside down.how to find the reciprocal of a fraction
Note
Exponent Notation For a Reciprocals
to show the reciprocal of a quantity, place −1 to the top-right of the quantity. This is an exponent of −1.exponents of −1