What is the Difference Between Inverse and Reciprocal?

06/23/2025 • Matheus Moraes

The difference between inverse and reciprocal lies in their definitions and the context in which they are used. Here are the main differences:

  1. 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.
  1. 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.

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.

Read more