To find the reciprocal of a number, simply flip it! For fractions, swap the numerator and the denominator. For whole numbers, write them as a fraction over 1, then flip.
Reciprocals of Fractions
Finding the reciprocal of a fraction is straightforward. Let’s say you have the fraction 2/3. Its reciprocal is 3/2. Similarly, the reciprocal of 5/8 is 8/5. Try it yourself with different fractions!
- Example 1: The reciprocal of 1/4 is 4/1 or 4. Example 2: The reciprocal of 7/9 is 9/7. Example 3: The reciprocal of 1 is 1 (since 1/1 = 1).
Reciprocals of Whole Numbers and Decimals
Whole numbers also have reciprocals. Think of a whole number, like 5, as a fraction (5/1). The reciprocal is then 1/5. For decimals, convert the decimal to a fraction first, then find the reciprocal of the fraction.
Convert the decimal to a fraction. Flip the numerator and denominator to get the reciprocal.
- Example 1: The reciprocal of 5 is 1/5. Example 2: The reciprocal of 0.25 (which is 1/4) is 4. Example 3: The reciprocal of 2.5 (which is 5/2) is 2/5.
Remember, the product of a number and its reciprocal always equals 1. This is a key property of reciprocals!
