How do you write reciprocals? When studying types of numbers in mathematics, students come across real numbers, whole numbers, integers, complex numbers, prime numbers, imaginary numbers, and several others. There is one type that many students are unable to understand, and these are opposite numbers. It is something students have to build an understanding of themselves. But, you do not have to worry as we have got you covered. We will be talking about opposite numbers, and most importantly, reciprocals that are very commonly used in mathematics. Now, when you are asked about the opposite of a number, for say, -4, you will immediately say its +4. Similarly, if you are asked about the opposite of +6, you can say it is -6. This is what we call the additive inverse. Another type of opposite number is the multiplicative inverse this time when you are asked about the opposite number of 6; it is most certainly not -6 because we are talking about multiplicative inverses, which are also called reciprocals. First, you need to understand that every whole number can be written as a fraction equal to that number divided by 1. For example, 6 can also be written as 6⁄1. If you are asked about the reciprocal for 6, you will write 1⁄6. A reciprocal is when the numerator becomes the denominator, and the denominator becomes the numerator. It is that simple!
Reciprocals are referred to as the Multiplicative Inverse. The reciprocal of any number is that one divided by that number. Reciprocals are huge when it comes to fractions specifically operations between two or more of them. You will use this skill in geometry to help you find perpendicular lines and you it will help you determining inverse proportions. Reciprocals can get you running in circles, when you perform it twice, you are right back where you started. This section of worksheets will introduce the concept and the math behind it. These worksheets explains how to write the reciprocals of fractions. Your students will use these activity sheets to learn how to convert fractions (both proper and improper) and mixed numbers into their reciprocal forms.
