Using Reciprocals to Solve Equations

• 5

• 1/5

• 5x

• 1/5x

The product of a number and its reciprocal is always equal to . . .

• itself

• 1

• the sum of the number and its reciprocal

• the variable

Answer explanation

Any number multiplied by its reciprocal is equal to one (1).

-24 = -8x. what is the reciprocal of -8?

• -8/1

• 1/8

• -1/8

• 8

Answer explanation

A reciprocal of any number is simply "flipping it over!"

• 24

• -24

• 32

• -32

Answer explanation

-4 x 8 = -32

17k = -34. When you multiply both sides by the reciprocal, what will be the value of k?

• -2

• too much to do in my head

• -428

• 2

Answer explanation

-34 x 1/17 is the same as -34 divided by 17, which is -2

• yes, because -4 goes in to 28. Then multiply by 5.

• no, because 5 doesn't go in to 28

• The reciprocal doesn't work with 28.

• I'd like to say "who knows" but I know that I shouldn't say that.

-5q = -20. True or False . . . Multiplying by the reciprocal is the same as dividing by -5.

• True

• False

-72 = -8r. What is the value of r to make this equation true?

• r = -9

• r = -1/8

• r = -8

• r = 9