SOLUTION: The sum of a number and 6 times its reciprocal is -5. Find the number.

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: The sum of a number and 6 times its reciprocal is -5. Find the number.      Log On


   

Question 850048: The sum of a number and 6 times its reciprocal is -5. Find the number.
Answer by ortarico(23) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the number be denoted as 'p'.
From the info:
p+6*(1/p)=-5
p+6/p=-5
LCD of LHS then cross multiply gives:
p^2+5p+6
factorising gives:
(p+2)(p+3)
:.P=-2or-3