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Last updated on 15 September 2025
The reciprocal of a number is obtained by reversing the numerator and denominator. A reciprocal is the inverse of a number. For a real number ‘n’, its reciprocal is 1/n. For example, the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2, and the reciprocal of 5 is 1/5. Let’s explore this concept in detail.
The word ‘reciprocal’ comes from a Latin word ‘reciprocus', meaning returning. But in mathematics, this word refers to the multiplicative inverse of a number. In mathematics, it refers to swapping the numerator and denominator of a fraction. The resulting fraction after interchanging the numerator and denominator is called the reciprocal.
For example, if a is the numerator and b is the denominator in a fraction a/b, then the reciprocal of that fraction is b/a, where b is the numerator and a is the denominator.
Finding reciprocals is very easy. Understanding these rules and remembering them while finding reciprocals will make the process easier. Let’s quickly list out the reciprocal rules.
To find the reciprocal of any given number, simply follow the steps given below.
Let’s understand it better using the table given below.
Type |
Reciprocal |
Example |
Zero |
Undefined |
Undefined |
Natural Number x |
1/x |
The reciprocal of 5 is 1/5 |
Negative Number |
- 1/x |
The reciprocal of – 4 is -1/4 |
Fraction xy, x, y not equals to 0 |
y/x |
The reciprocal of 2/7 is 7/2 |
Mixed Fraction x y/z, convert to improper fraction (xz + y)/z |
z/(xz + y) |
The reciprocal of 5 1/3=16/3 is 3/16 |
Decimal (x) |
1/x |
The reciprocal of 0.1 is 10 |
Reciprocal play an important role in our daily life without us even realizing it. From calculating speed to sharing things equally, and even understanding probability, reciprocals help us solve real-life problems easily.
While finding the reciprocal of numbers, students often make some common mistakes that can lead to incorrect answers. Let’s explore the five common mistakes and how to avoid them.
What is the reciprocal of 8?
The reciprocal of 8 is 1/8.
A whole number can be written as a fraction with 1 as the denominator (8 = 8/1). By reversing the fraction, we get 1/8.
What is the reciprocal of 3/5?
The reciprocal of 3/5 is 5/3.
To find the reciprocal of a fraction, inverse the numerator and denominator. For example 3/5 becomes 5/3.
What is the reciprocal of 0.25?
The reciprocal of 0.25 is 4.
Convert 0.25 to a fraction (1/4). Its reciprocal is 4/1, or 4.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.