STEM Excellence Series: Empowering the Next Generation

RECIPROCAL

Reciprocal

Definition Of Reciprocal

If the product of two numbers is 1, then the two numbers are said to be reciprocals of each other.
In other words, a reciprocal is the multiplicative inverse of a number.
The reciprocal of ‘a’ is 

Examples of Reciprocal

The real part of a complex number Z is denoted as Re (Z).
Consider 9x 1/9 = 1
9 is the reciprocal of 1/9
1/9 is the reciprocal of 9.

The following are few examples of reciprocals
3.2, 1/32 
√6, 1/√6

Video Examples: What Is Reciprocal Math

Solved Example on Reciprocal

Ques: Find the reciprocal of 2/5

Choices:

A. 5/2
B. 2/5
C. 5x 2
D. 1
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Step 1: The reciprocal of 2/5 is 5/2. [Interchange numerator and denominator of 2/5]

Quick Summary

  • The reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number.
  • To find the reciprocal of a fraction, interchange the numerator and denominator.
\[ Reciprocal of 'a' is \(\frac{1}{a}\) \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use visual aids like fraction bars to demonstrate reciprocals. Relate the concept to dividing fractions, as dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Fractions
  • Multiplication
  • Division

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the reciprocal of 2/5?

Q2: What is the reciprocal of 7?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the reciprocal of 0?
A: Zero does not have a reciprocal because division by zero is undefined.

Q: How do I find the reciprocal of a mixed number?
A: First, convert the mixed number to an improper fraction, then flip the numerator and denominator.

© 2026 iCoachMath Global Math Glossary. All Rights Reserved.