1.1 KiB
1.1 KiB
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| Reciprocal |
Reciprocal
The reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number. Every non-zero number has a reciprocal, and 0 does not.
Example
The reciprocal of 3 is 1⁄3.
You can also get the reciprocal of a fraction by flipping the fraction, or equivalently, the reciprocal of a number can be defined as that number taken to the power of -1.
Example
The reciprocal of 2⁄3 is 3⁄2 since 1/(2⁄3) = 3/2, or (2⁄3)-1 = 3/2.
Note
- The reciprocal of the reciprocal of a number is the original number.
Example
The reciprocal of 23 is 1⁄23. Now if we look at the reciprocal of 1⁄23 we get 23⁄1, which is the original number.
- If you multiply a non-zero number by its reciprocal, you always get 1.
Example
The reciprocal of 16 is 1⁄16. If you multiply 1⁄16 by 16, you get 1.