The reciprocal of a number is found by turning the number upside down. In other words, it is 1 divided by the number.

For a non-zero number, the reciprocal is:

$$
\frac{1}{x}
$$

For example, the reciprocal of 5 is:

$$
\frac{1}{5}
$$

The reciprocal of a fraction is found by swapping the numerator and denominator.

For example, the reciprocal of three quarters is:

$$
\frac{4}{3}
$$

Whole numbers can be written as fractions before finding the reciprocal.

For example, 7 can be written as:

$$
\frac{7}{1}
$$

So its reciprocal is:

$$
\frac{1}{7}
$$

A number multiplied by its reciprocal equals 1:

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

The number 0 has no reciprocal because division by zero is not defined.

Understanding reciprocals is important for working with fractions, division, and algebra.