inverse number


The inverse number or reciprocal number of a non-zero real or complex numberMathworldPlanetmathPlanetmath a may be denoted by a-1, and it the quotientPlanetmathPlanetmath 1a (so, it is really the -1th power of a).

  • Two numbers are inverse numbers of each other if and only if their product is equal to 1 (cf. opposite inversesMathworldPlanetmathPlanetmathPlanetmath).

  • If a (0) is given in a quotient form bc, then its inverse number is simply

    (bc)-1=cb.
  • Forming the inverse number is also a multiplicative function, i.e.

    (bc)-1=b-1c-1

    (to be more precise, it is an automorphismMathworldPlanetmathPlanetmathPlanetmath of the multiplicative groupMathworldPlanetmath of resp. ).

Title inverse number
Canonical name InverseNumber
Date of creation 2013-03-22 14:53:46
Last modified on 2013-03-22 14:53:46
Owner pahio (2872)
Last modified by pahio (2872)
Numerical id 12
Author pahio (2872)
Entry type Definition
Classification msc 12E99
Classification msc 00A05
Synonym inverse
Synonym reciprocal
Related topic ConditionOfOrthogonality
Related topic InverseFormingInProportionToGroupOperation
Defines reciprocal number