Write Reciprocals

Focus: Understanding Reciprocals. Use the worked example and teaching sequence below to explain the reasoning before independent practice.

Use New Numbers to make another set. Choose Worksheet or Answer Key, then use the worksheet’s Print button.

Teaching Notes

Focus: Understanding Reciprocals. Use the worked example and teaching sequence below to explain the reasoning before independent practice.

Before You Begin

Multiply fractions.

Teaching Steps for Parents and Teachers

For a nonzero fraction, interchange numerator and denominator.
Write a nonzero whole number over 1 before reversing.
Multiply the pair to check that the product is 1.

Worked Examples

Find the reciprocal of 3/5.

Interchange 3 and 5 to get 5/3.
(3/5) × (5/3) = 15/15 = 1.

Answer: 5/3

Common Mistakes and How to Help

Zero has no reciprocal.

Does multiplying the original number by its reciprocal give 1?

Questions to Check Understanding

Does multiplying the original number by its reciprocal give 1?
Which step explains your answer?
Can you apply the same reasoning when the numbers change?

Practice Advice

Work through the example together. Ask the learner to explain the first two problems, then try three independently. Review the first incorrect step before assigning more practice.

Next Practice

Use New Numbers to practice the same skill with different values.
If the learner needs help, return to the example and model each step before trying again.