What is the term for the reciprocal of a number, which results in one when multiplied by that number?

What is the term for the reciprocal of a number, which results in one when multiplied by that number?

• A. Additive inverse
• B. Multiplicative inverse
• C. Reciprocal identity
• D. Opposite value

Answer: (B)

The term for the reciprocal of a number, which when multiplied by that number results in one, is the multiplicative inverse. This concept is foundational in arithmetic and algebra. For any non-zero number \( x \), its reciprocal is \( \frac{1}{x} \). When you multiply a number by its reciprocal: \[ x \times \frac{1}{x} = 1 \] This property is essential in solving equations and working with fractions, where finding the multiplicative inverse of a number allows for division by that number by changing it into a multiplication of its reciprocal. The other terms mentioned do not describe this property accurately. The additive inverse refers to a number that, when added to the original number, results in zero. Reciprocal identity isn't a standard term in mathematics, while opposite value generally refers to the additive inverse rather than any multiplication property. Thus, the correct identification of the multiplicative inverse clearly demonstrates the mathematical relationship that is being queried in the question.

The term for the reciprocal of a number, which when multiplied by that number results in one, is the multiplicative inverse. This concept is foundational in arithmetic and algebra. For any non-zero number ( x ), its reciprocal is ( \frac{1}{x} ). When you multiply a number by its reciprocal:

[

x \times \frac{1}{x} = 1

]

This property is essential in solving equations and working with fractions, where finding the multiplicative inverse of a number allows for division by that number by changing it into a multiplication of its reciprocal.

The other terms mentioned do not describe this property accurately. The additive inverse refers to a number that, when added to the original number, results in zero. Reciprocal identity isn't a standard term in mathematics, while opposite value generally refers to the additive inverse rather than any multiplication property. Thus, the correct identification of the multiplicative inverse clearly demonstrates the mathematical relationship that is being queried in the question.