What is the Difference Between Inverse and Reciprocal?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between inverse and reciprocal lies in their definitions and the context in which they are used. Here are the main differences:
- Inverse:
- Inverse refers to the opposite of a function or operation.
- In the context of functions, the inverse of a function is another function that, when composed with the original function, results in the identity function (i.e., the input value is obtained again).
- In arithmetic, the additive inverse of a number is the number that, when added to the original number, results in zero. For example, the additive inverse of 5 is -5, and the additive inverse of -3 is 3.
- Reciprocal:
- Reciprocal refers to the multiplicative inverse of a number or function.
- In the context of numbers, the reciprocal of a number is the number that, when multiplied by the original number, results in 1. For example, the reciprocal of 6 is 1/6, and the reciprocal of 4.5 is 1/4.5.
- In the context of functions, the inverse of a function is sometimes referred to as its reciprocal, as the inverse function undoes the operation of the original function, resulting in the input value again.
In summary:
- Inverse refers to the opposite of a function or operation, and it undoes the original operation, resulting in the input value again.
- Reciprocal refers to the multiplicative inverse of a number or function, and it is used to obtain 1 when multiplied by the original number or function.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Inverse and Reciprocal? Comparative Table: Inverse vs Reciprocal
Comparative Table: Inverse vs Reciprocal
Here is a table comparing the differences between inverse and reciprocal:
| Inverse | Reciprocal |
|---|---|
| The inverse of a function is a function that, when composed with the original function, returns the input value. For example, if $$f(x) = e^x$$, the inverse of $$f(x)$$ is $$g(x) = \ln x$$ because $$g(f(x)) = x$$. | The reciprocal of a number is its multiplicative inverse, which is obtained by flipping the original fraction upside down. For example, the reciprocal of $$\frac{3}{4}$$ is $$\frac{4}{3}$$. |
| The inverse of a function is used to 'undo' the original function and obtain the input value. | The reciprocal of a number is used to multiply by another number to obtain 1. For example, the reciprocal of $$e^x$$ is $$\frac{1}{e^x}$$. |
| When calculating the inverse of a function, you need to find a new function that, when composed with the original function, returns the input value. | When calculating the reciprocal of a number, you need to find the multiplicative inverse, which is obtained by flipping the original fraction upside down. |
| The inverse of a function can be used in various mathematical applications, such as calculus, where the inverse of a function is used to compute derivatives. | The reciprocal of a number is not commonly used in calculus or other advanced mathematical applications. It is mostly used in arithmetic operations involving multiplication and division. |
In summary, the inverse of a function is a function that 'undoes' the original function, while the reciprocal of a number is its multiplicative inverse, used to multiply by another number to obtain 1.
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