Expert: Cindy M - 1/23/2006

Question
What is a reciprocal?

Answer
Hi Janie,

A reciprocal is a number that you multiply by so that the result equals 1. The easiest way to find it is to just flip the fraction over.

Here's an example: What is the reciprocal of 3?
3 is the same as 3/1, so we flip and the reciprocal is 1/3

Reciprocal of 4/5 is 5/4

Reciprocal of 2 1/2?  Trciky!
Change to a fraction --> 5/2, then flip --> 2/5

Hope this helps. Feel free to write anytime I can assist further.

CindyM
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