Answer
When the signs are the same, $\frac{1}{b}>\frac{1}{a}$
For the other case, $\frac{1}{a}>\frac{1}{b}$
Work Step by Step
$b^{-1}=\frac{1}{b}$, $a^{-1}=\frac{1}{a}$
In this case, a and b serve as the denominators. Consider the case when $a>b$ and both are positive. As the denominator increases, the overall value of the fraction decreases. Therefore, $\frac{1}{a}$ is less than $\frac{1}{b}$.
When $a>b$ and both are negative, dividing by a more negative number, b, would result in a number that is closer to 0 as supposed to a less negative number. Therefore, $\frac{1}{a}$ is less than $\frac{1}{b}$.
If a > 0 and b < 0, $\frac{1}{a}$ is positive and $\frac{1}{b}$ is negative. Therefore, $\frac{1}{a}>\frac{1}{b}$
