Make the numerator the denominator, and the denominator the numerator.
How to Find the Reciprocal of an Algebraic Fraction
Question
What is the reciprocal of the algebraic fraction below?
Step-by-Step:
1
Make the numerator of the fraction the denominator of the reciprocal. In our example, the numerator of the fraction is x.
2
Make the denominator of the fraction the numerator of the reciprocal. In our example, the denominator of the fraction is y.
Answer:
We have found the reciprocal of the fraction:
More Examples of Finding the Reciprocal of an Algebraic Fraction
Algebraic fractions do not just contain single letters.- When an algebraic fraction has a number, we can find the reciprocal:
- When an algebraic fraction has a term, we can find the reciprocal:
- When an algebraic fraction has a expression, we can find the reciprocal:
What Is an Algebraic Fraction?
An algebraic fraction is a fraction which contains letters.
Reciprocal When the Numerator Is 1
Consider an algebraic fraction where the numerator is 1:
By finding the reciprocal, the denominator becomes 1:
But a letter divided by 1 is itself:
The reciprocal of a fraction with a numerator of 1 is simply the denominator.
This page was written by Stephen Clarke.
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