# Reciprocal

In Mathematics, sometimes we use reciprocal number to get rid of fractions in the equations if it contains an unknown variable. The reciprocal make the equation easier to solve. The term reciprocal is also known as multiplicative inverse. In this article, we are going to discuss how to find the reciprocal of a number, fractions, mixed fractions, decimals with more examples.

## Reciprocal Definition

Reciprocal in Mathematics means any expression which when multiplied by another expression, gives unity (1) as a result. The reciprocal of any quantity is, one divided by that quantity. For a number a, it would be 1/a.

Example: Reciprocal of a number 7 is 1/7.

It has many other definitions too :

• It is also called the multiplicative inverse.
• It is similar to turning the number upside down.
• It is also found by interchanging the numerator and denominator.
• All the numbers have reciprocal except 0.
• The reciprocal of the product of a number is 1.

Generally, it is written as, x=1/x or x = x-1 for a number x.

Examples: The reciprocals of 3 and  8 are 1/3 and 1 /8

Reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3.

It is also expressed by the number raised to the power of negative one and can be found for fractions and decimal numbers too.

In math, when you take the reciprocal twice, you will get the same number what you started with.

Example:  The reciprocal of 4 is 1/4. When you repeat this step it becomes 4/1 or 4. Here you get the same number where you started with.

## Reciprocal of a Number

It is defined as one over that number.

Example: Find the reciprocal of 5

Solution: To find the solution, we will use x=1/x

Therefore, 5= 1/5

The reciprocal of a function, f(x) = f(1/x)

## Reciprocal of a Fraction

The reciprocal of a fraction can be found by interchanging the numerator and the denominator values.

Example: Find the reciprocal of 2 / 3

Solution: To find the solution we will follow the following steps

The reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2. (or) use the formula, x = 1/x, where 2/3=1/2/1/3

Therefore, the reciprocal of a fraction 2/3 is 3/2.

## Reciprocal of a Mixed Fraction

In order to find the same for a mixed fraction, convert it into improper fractions and do the operation.

Consider a mixed fraction, 4(1/2).

The first step is to convert a mixed fraction into an improper fraction.

4(1/2)= 1+1+1+1+1/2

= (2/2) + (2/2) + (2/2) + (2/2) + (1/2 )

= (2+2+2+2+1)/2

=9/2

4(1/2) = 9/2

Now, you get the fraction and do the same operation for finding the reciprocal by flipping the numerator and the denominator.

Therefore, the solution for 9/2 is 2/9.

## Reciprocal of a Decimal

The reciprocal of a decimal is the same as it is for a number defined by one over the number.

Example: Find the reciprocal of a decimal 0.75

Solution: The reciprocal of a number, x=1/x

Therefore, 0.75= 1/0.75

An alternate method to find it is given below.

Consider the same example, 0.75.

First, you have to check whether the given decimal number is possible for converting into a fractional number. Here 0.75 is written as 3/4

Now, find the reciprocal of 3/4 which gives 4/3

When you verify both the solutions, it results in the same.

That is, 1/0.75 = 1.33 and

4/3 = 1.33

### Reciprocal Examples

Go through the below examples:

Example 1:

Find the reciprocal of 2 and 9

Solution:

Given that, the two integers are 2 and 9

Therefore, the reciprocal of 2 is ½

The reciprocal of 9 is 1/9

Example 2:

Determine the reciprocal of 3/(2/3)

Solution:

Given number 3/(⅔) is a fraction.

Therefore, the reciprocal of 3/(⅔) is 3 × (3/2)

3/(⅔) = 9/2

Hence, the reciprocal of  3/(⅔) os 9/2.

Example 3:

Write down the opposite reciprocal of 5/4.

Solution:

Given fraction is 5/4

The reciprocal of 5/4 is 4/5.

Hence, the opposite reciprocal of 5/4 is – 4/5.

## Frequently Asked Questions on Reciprocal

### Define reciprocal.

The reciprocal is defined as the multiplicative inverse of a number. In other words, the reciprocal of a number is defined as 1 divided by that number. The product of a given number and it’s reciprocal will always give the value 1.

### How to determine the reciprocal of a fraction?

The reciprocal of a fraction can be determined by interchanging the values of the numerator and denominator. For example, ¾ is a fraction. The reciprocal of ¾ is 4/3.

### How to determine the reciprocal of the mixed fraction?

To find the reciprocal of the mixed fraction, first, convert the mixed fraction into the improper fraction, and then take the reciprocal of the improper fraction. For example, 2¾ is a mixed fraction. When it is converted to an improper fraction, we get 11/4. Hence, the reciprocal of 11/4 is 4/11.

### What is the reciprocal of 0?

The number zero (0) does not have a reciprocal. Because, if any reciprocal number is multiplied by 0, it will not give the product as 1. It will result in zero.

### What is the reciprocal of infinity?

The reciprocal of infinity is zero (0). It means that 1/∞=0. It is noted that the reciprocal of infinity is zero exactly, which means not infinitesimal.

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