document.write( "Question 254170: What is the reciprocal of the number 2?\r
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Algebra.Com's Answer #186475 by Edwin McCravy(20055) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!

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document.write( "No,  and  are EXACTLY the SAME THING!\r\n" );
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document.write( "\"Reciprocal\" is close to the word \"reciprocate\".\r\n" );
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document.write( "Think of the word \"reciprocate\" which means\r\n" );
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document.write( "\"to make a (mutual) exchange\".\r\n" );
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document.write( "So you exchange the numerator and the denominator.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Or you can think of a \"reciprocating engine\". It\r\n" );
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document.write( "\"turns over\".  \r\n" );
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document.write( "So you start with the original number.  If it is\r\n" );
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document.write( "not already a fraction, make it a fraction by\r\n" );
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document.write( "putting 1 under it, as in the case of writing 2\r\n" );
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document.write( "as .  Then you \"reciprocate\" the 2 and\r\n" );
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document.write( "the 1 and get .  That is you \"turn  over\",\r\n" );
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document.write( "or \"turn it upside-down\" and get \r\n" );
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document.write( "Edwin

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