reciprocal
What reciprocal means in Mathematics GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of reciprocal
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Reference: Pearson Edexcel
A number that multiplies the original non-zero number to give 1. For a non-zero fraction a/b, its reciprocal is b/a.
The inverse fraction obtained by swapping numerator and denominator, for example the reciprocal of 2/5 is 5/2.
The multiplicative inverse of a non-zero number. The reciprocal of $a/b$ is $b/a$, and their product is 1.
For a non-zero number a, its reciprocal is $1/a$, the value which multiplies with a to give 1.
The reciprocal of a number $x$ is $1/x$. Multiplying a number by its reciprocal gives 1.
The reciprocal of non-zero x is 1/x; multiplying x by 1/x gives 1.
Topics that use reciprocal
- Structure and calculation (AQA GCSE)
- Number - Structure and calculation (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Ratio, proportion and rates of change (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- denominator
- equivalent fractions
- Exact value
- Formal written methods
- fraction
- Highest common factor
- improper fraction
- Integer
Using reciprocal in the exam
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