the sum of the reciprocals of a number and five is two

Answer 1

Hi Christianlloyd, let x represent the unknown number. Set up the problem like the following:

1 / x + 1 / 5 = 2

Solve for x:

Clear fractions by multiply the entire equation by 5x:

5 + x = 10x

Subtract x from both sides:

5 = 9x

Divide both sides by 9

x = 5 / 9

Check:

1 / (5 / 9) + 1 / 5 = 2

9 / 5 + 1 / 5 = 2

2 = 2

Value checks.

Questions?