8th Grade · Expressions & Equations
Reciprocal
8.EE.C.7b
Definition
The multiplicative inverse of a number, formed by flipping a fraction. A number times its reciprocal equals one.
Examples
- (2/3) × (3/2) = 1.
- To solve (2/3)x = 8, multiply both sides by the reciprocal 3/2 to get x = 12.
Key rule
To undo multiplying by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal.
Memory hook
Flip the fraction to undo multiplication.