SOLUTION: Given that a + 1/a = 3, what is the value of |a - 1/a| ? a 5 1/2 b 2 1/2 c 1.5 d 3 e 3 1/2

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Question 279655: Given that a + 1/a = 3, what is the value of |a - 1/a| ?
a 5 1/2 b 2 1/2 c 1.5 d 3 e 3 1/2
Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(a+1)/a=3
a+1=3a
1=2a
1/2=a=.5
check
(.5+1)/.5=3
1.5/.5=3
ok
|.5-1/.5|=|-.5/.5|=|-1|=1
none of the choices is "1"