7th Grade · Ratios & Proportional Relationships
Reciprocal
7.NS.A.2c
Definition
The multiplicative inverse of a number, found by flipping numerator and denominator. Any number (except 0) times its reciprocal equals 1.
Examples
- The reciprocal of 3/4 is 4/3, and 3/4 × 4/3 = 1.
- To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal: 3/4 ÷ 2/5 = 3/4 × 5/2.
Key rule
A number times its reciprocal always equals 1.
Memory hook
Flip it to get the reciprocal.