algebra problem

Question

Find the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of −4 and 1/12. Express you answer as a fraction.

Answer 1

Hello,

to start you have to turn your numbers into their reciprocal counterparts. This would be 1 over "your numbers", so 4 would turn into 1/4 and 1/12 would turn into 12. Now find the sum by converting the 12 into fraction. Think about 12 being 12/1 and now multiply top and bottom by 4. This makes it 48/4. This leaves it to (48/4) - (1/4). Which equals (47/4), now find the reciprocal of this number using the 1/"your number" method to achieve the final answer.

If you need any more help feel free to ask.

Answer 2

The reciprocals are -1/4 and 12. When they are added you ge 11 and 3/4. Written as an improper fraction you get 47/4. The reciprocal of this is 4/47.