Question

Find the reciprocal of each number.

– 4

Short answer

The reciprocal of the $-4$ is $-\frac{1}{4}$.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1- Given information

We have, a number$-4$

To find the reciprocal of the given number.

Step 2- concept used

The reciprocal or multiplicative inverse of a number $x$ is the number which, when multiplied by $x$ then gives$1$.

Such that $x\times \frac{1}{x}=1$

Thus, $x$ is the reciprocal of $\frac{1}{x}$and $\frac{1}{x}$is the reciprocal of $x$

Step 3- To find the reciprocal

Let the reciprocal of the given number $-4$is$=x.$

So,

$\begin{array}{l}-4\times x=1\\ \Rightarrow x=-\frac{1}{4}\end{array}$

Hence, the reciprocal of the $-4$ is $-\frac{1}{4}$.