SOLUTION: I need help with this problem, I don't understand it at all! The sum of a number and its reciprocal is 3. What is (are) the numbers.

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: I need help with this problem, I don't understand it at all! The sum of a number and its reciprocal is 3. What is (are) the numbers.      Log On


   

Question 120913: I need help with this problem, I don't understand it at all!
The sum of a number and its reciprocal is 3. What is (are) the numbers.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x=number, so 1/x=reciprocal __ x+(1/x)=3

multiplying by x gives x^2+1=3x

subtracting 3x gives x^2-3x+1=0

use the quadratic formula to find x