Applications of Reciprocals

Key Questions

What is the difference between a reciprocal of a number and a opposite of the number?

Answer:

When you multiply a reciprocal with its original number, the result is 1.
When you add the opposite to its original number, the result is 0.

Explanation:

#4*¼=1#

¼ is the reciprocal of 4

#7+(-7)=0#

-7 is the opposite of 7

Richard G. · 1 · May 6 2018
Does zero have a reciprocal?

No, since #1/0# is undefined.

I hope that this was helpful.

Wataru · 2 · Nov 11 2014
Why are reciprocals useful when dividing rational expressions?

As dividing by a rational number is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal and this is easier, hence, reciprocals are useful when dividing rational expressions.

Shwetank Mauria · 1 · Jul 26 2018