Which of the following numbers has the largest [reciprocal](https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/Reciprocal)?
$\text{(A)}\ \frac{1}{3} \qquad \text{(B)}\ \frac{2}{5} \qquad \text{(C)}\ 1 \qquad \text{(D)}\ 5 \qquad \text{(E)}\ 1986$
For [positive numbers](https://artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php/Positive), the larger the number, the smaller its reciprocal. Likewise, smaller numbers have larger reciprocals.
Thus, all we have to do is find the smallest number.
But which one is it? $\frac{1}{3}$? or $\frac{2}{5}$?
We see that $\frac{1}{3} = \frac{5}{15}$, and $\frac{2}{5} = \frac{6}{15}$, so obviously $\frac{1}{3}$ is smaller.
$\boxed{\text{A}}$