SOLUTION: Find two numbers which are reciprocals of each other and whose sum is 3

Question 1044242: Find two numbers which are reciprocals of each other and whose sum is 3
Answer by ikleyn(52847) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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Find two numbers which are reciprocals of each other and whose sum is 3
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Let x be one of the two numbers.
Then the other number is  (reciprocal !) and their sum is 3:

 = 3.

We need to solve this equation to find x.

Multiply both sides by x to rid the denominator. You will get

 = ,  or

 = .

Apply the quadratic formula:

 =  = ,  or

 = ,   = .

Check that the product  = 1 and that  = 3.

Answer.  The two numbers are    and  .

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