Find the inverse of a number
There are two ways to find the inverse of a number. The first way is to look for the opposite or additive inverse of the number. The second way is to look for the reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of the number.
- The additive inverse or opposite of any number x is -x. The sum of opposites is equal to zero.
- The multiplicative inverse or reciprocal of any nonzero number a is 1/a. The product of reciprocals is equal to one.
Examples showing how to find the inverse of a number
Find the opposite and reciprocal of these numbers: -6, 5/6, 4 1/5, -0.02, and 5x.
a. -6
The opposite of -6 is -(-6) = 6
The reciprocal of -6 is 1/-6
b. 5/6
The opposite of 5/6 is -(5/6) = -5/6
The reciprocal of 5/6 is 1/(5/6) = 1 x 6/5 = 6/5
c. 4 1/5
The opposite of 4 1/5 is -(4 1/5) = - 4 1/5
The reciprocal of 4 1/5 is 1/(4 1/5) = 1/(21/5) = 1 x 5/21 = 5/21
d. -0.02
The opposite of -0.02 is -(-0.02) = 0.02
The reciprocal of -0.02 is 1/(-0.02) = 1/(-2/100) = 1 x (-100/2) = 1 x (-50) = -50
e. 5x
The opposite of 5x is -(5x) = -5x
The reciprocal of 5x is 1/(5x) = 1/5x
Recent Articles
-
How To Find The Factors Of 20: A Simple Way
Sep 17, 23 09:46 AM
There are many ways to find the factors of 20. A simple way is to... -
The SAT Math Test: How To Be Prepared To Face It And Survive
Jun 09, 23 12:04 PM
The SAT Math section is known for being difficult. But it doesn’t have to be. Learn how to be prepared and complete the section with confidence here.
100 Tough Algebra Word Problems.
If you can solve these problems with no help, you must be a genius!
