Question

What is the opposite and reciprocal of 7?

Answer 1

The opposite of `7` is `-7`

The reciprocal of `7` is `1/7`

Explanation:

The opposite is the additive inverse.

`7 + (-7) = 0` where `0` is the identity for addition.

If you picture the real numbers on a line with `0` in the centre, the opposite of a number is on the opposite side of `0` at the same distance.

The reciprocal is the multiplicative inverse.

`7 * (1/7) = 1` where `1` is the identity for multiplication.

When you are dealing with fractions, just swap the top and bottom to form the reciprocal. For example, the reciprocal of `2/3` is `3/2`.