Here's why:
* Multiplicative Inverse: A number that, when multiplied by the original number, results in 1. For example, the multiplicative inverse of 5 is 1/5, because 5 * (1/5) = 1.
* Reciprocal: This term emphasizes the relationship of the inverse to the original number. The reciprocal is simply the original number "flipped," with the numerator and denominator switched.
So, both terms refer to the same concept, but "reciprocal" emphasizes the flipping action while "multiplicative inverse" emphasizes the property of multiplying to 1.