Reciprocal

Reciprocal = What to multiply a value by to get 1 (how to get ONE).

At the log cutting competition, one person used a Reciprocating (reciprocal) saw and WON (1).

Example 1

What is the reciprocal of `5`?

The reciprocal of `5` is worked out by putting a one under the `5` and turning it into a fraction and then turning the fraction upside down.

`5 rArr5/1`  turn over `1/5`           

So the reciprocal of `5` is  `1/5` (or `0.2`)

(To check multiply `0.2times5` and you get `1`)

Example 2

What is the reciprocal of `8`.

The reciprocal of `8` is worked out by putting a one under the `8` and turning it into a fraction and then turning the fraction upside down.

`8rArr8/1`  turn over `1/8`

So the reciprocal of `8` is `1/8` (or `0.125`)

(To check multiply `0.125times8` and you get `1`)

Example 3

What is the reciprocal of `1000`.

The reciprocal of `1000` is worked out by putting a one under the `1000` and turning it to a fraction and then turning the fraction upside down.

`1000rArr1000/1`  turn over  `1/1000`          

So the reciprocal of `1000` is `1/1000` (or `0.001`)

(To check multiply `0.001times1000` and you get `1`)

Example 4

What is the reciprocal of `3/4`

The reciprocal of `3/4` is worked out by putting a one under the `3/4` and turning it into a fraction and then turning the fraction upside down.

`3/4rArr3/(4times1)`  turn over `(1times4)/3`           

So the reciprocal of `3/4` is `4/3` 

(To check multiply `3/4times4/3` and you get `1`)