# Reciprocals

I have a question about reciprocals in One Step Multiplication equation section.

My book shows the reciprocal of -2/3 as -3/2. Is this correct?

It gives the correct answer but I would have thought the reciprocal was 3/-2!!

What is the thinking here?

Thank you
Joni

Average Rating Jan 06, 2011 Rating Reciprocals by: Karin Hi Joni, You have a great question. Actually -3/2 is exactly the same as 3/-2. Think about your division rules. A negative divided by positive results in a negative answer. And... a positive divided by a negative results in a negative answer. Therefore -3/2 = 3/-2. Most of the time if the answer is negative, you will see the negative symbol with the numerator. This indicates that the whole answer is negative. I hope this helps, Karin Need More Help With Your Algebra Studies?
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