Numbers: Fractions
Reciprocal of a fraction
Reciprocal of a fraction
If we swap the numerator and the denominator in the fraction #\dfrac{2}{3}#, we get #\dfrac{3}{2}#. We now see that: \[\dfrac{2}{3} \times \dfrac{3}{2} =\dfrac{6}{6} = 1\]
In general, it holds that:
Two numbers are each other's reciprocal (also called inverse) if their product is #1#.
Examples
\begin{array}{rcrcr}\dfrac{3}{5} &\times& \dfrac{5}{3} &=& 1\\\dfrac{1}{10} &\times& 10 &=& 1\\-\dfrac{4}{3} &\times& -\dfrac{3}{4} &=& 1\end{array}
#3#
If we swap the numerator and the denominator of the fraction #{{1}\over{3}}#, we find #3#. To double-check, we multiply the numbers and check if the product equals #1#.
\[{{1}\over{3}} \times 3=1\]
Therefore, the reciprocal of #{{1}\over{3}}# equals #3#.
If we swap the numerator and the denominator of the fraction #{{1}\over{3}}#, we find #3#. To double-check, we multiply the numbers and check if the product equals #1#.
\[{{1}\over{3}} \times 3=1\]
Therefore, the reciprocal of #{{1}\over{3}}# equals #3#.
Unlock full access
Teacher access
Request a demo account. We will help you get started with our digital learning environment.