What is a Reciprocal?

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The easiest way to explain a reciprocal is show you some examples.

Fractions

To get the reciprocal of a fraction, just flip it. For example, the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2. The reciprocal of 1/4 is 4/1 or just plain 4.

Whole numbers

The reciprocal of a whole number is 1 over that number. For example, the reciprocal of 3 is 1/3.

Zero

Guess what? Zero doesn't have a reciprocal! Besides, what would it be?

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