It's for my math homework. I'm not trying to cheat. I have the answer on the "tip of my tounge", but just can't put it in words. Would it be because -1 is well, negative, so it's reciprocal has to be negative?
2006-11-02 14:27:36 · 10 answers · asked by Addicted To Abercrombie & Fitch 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Also, what is an area model? It says:
Use an area model to illustrate and find each product. Use a calculator to check your answer.
2006-11-02 14:33:54 · update #1
yes, the reciprocal is always the same sign as the number, taking the reciprocal does not change the sign
2006-11-02 14:29:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you are looking for the reciprocal of a number, you want the opposite fraction.
For example, if you were to find the reciprocal of 5/2, it would be 2/5
So for your problem, it would be 1/-1, so essentially, yeah the answer should be -1.
Hope this was helpful for you!
~Alicia
2006-11-02 14:31:37 · answer #2 · answered by Alicia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the reciprocal is, by definition, 1/(-1) = -1. In other words, because (-1)*(-1) = 1. And yes, the reciprocal of a negative must be negative.
2006-11-02 14:37:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reciprocal of a number, when multiplied by the number, will give you 1 as the answer. Clearly, since (-1)*(-1)=1, (-1) is the reciprocal of (-1).
2006-11-02 14:31:06 · answer #4 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because -1 x -1 = 1. Therefore, -1 = 1 / -1. Always remember that -1 x -1 = 1, even though that -1 x 1 = -1 and 1 x -1 = -1. Try to think of it in this way: Multiplying -1 is like looking at a reflection. A double reflection gets you back the original image.
2006-11-02 14:33:38 · answer #5 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By taking the reciprocal you put the number as 1 divided by that number. So 1/-1 still equals -1.
2006-11-02 14:30:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
- 1
the reciprocal is when you flip the denominator and the numerator. When given a number such as -1, it is known that the denominator is 1 therefore the fraction is -1/1 and the reciprocal is 1/-1 which is still a -1
2006-11-02 14:35:56 · answer #7 · answered by Kim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because doing the reciprocal is just like flipping the fraction
-1 as a fraction is -1/1
flip that and it's still -1/1 because it doesn't matter if the negative is on the numerator or the denominator, it's still negative
area model= isn't that like makin a sqaure?
2006-11-02 14:36:26 · answer #8 · answered by Violet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no the reciprocal is the opposite of what you think 1
2006-11-02 14:34:35 · answer #9 · answered by RONI Q 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
BECAUSE-1/1=1/-1
AND THE DENOMINATOR IS SUPPOSED TO BE POSSITIVE ALWAYS
2006-11-02 14:50:05 · answer #10 · answered by genius sonia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋