Question

Write the numbers whose multiplicative inverse are the numbers themselves

Answer 1

The required numbers are 1 and (- 1) whose multiplicative inverse are the numbers themselves.

Multiplicative inverse:

When two numbers a and b multiplied, if the result is the multiplicative identity 1, then the two numbers a and b are multiplicative inverse of each other.

Mathematically, a × b = 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

(a) Let the multiplicative inverse of 1 be b.

Then, 1 × b = 1

⇒ b = 1/1

⇒ b = 1

So, the multiplicative inverse of 1 is 1.

(b) Let the multiplicative inverse of (- 1) be b.

Then, (- 1) × b = 1

⇒ b = 1/(- 1)

⇒ b = - 1

So, the multiplicative inverse of (- 1) is (- 1).