You know that a fraction has both a numerator and denominator. The denominator is the number of parts a whole has been cut into, and the numerator represents the number of parts you are interested in. You must place the numerator and denominator in a certain order to create the fraction you are looking for. Read through this slide show to learn more.
Write a fraction that has the number 17 as the numerator and the number 20 as the denominator.
\( \frac{17}{20} \)
The line that separates the numerator from the denominator is called the fraction bar. The numerator is the number above the fraction bar. The denominator is the number that is below the fraction bar.
When you reverse the order of the numerator and the denominator, you create that fraction's reciprocal.
What is the reciprocal of the fraction \( \frac{17}{20} \)?
To create the reciprocal, simply reverse the order of the numerator and the denominator. The reciprocal is \( \frac{20}{17} \).
You can also find the reciprocal of whole numbers. Except zero. Zero is a whole number, but zero does not have a reciprocal.
What is the reciprocal of the number 52?
Start by expressing the number 52 as a fraction by placing it over 1.
\( \frac{52}{1} \)
Reverse the order of the numerator and the denominator.
\( \frac{1}{52} \)
The fraction \( \frac{1}{52} \) is the reciprocal of the number 52.
Think you got it?
Reciprocals are a simple concept, but it is important to understand their definition and to practice finding reciprocals. Practice finding the reciprocal of a number by completing the activity below. Read the given number and find its reciprocal, then click the number to check your answer.
