Problema Solution

The sum of half a number and its reciprocal is the same as 51 divided by the number. Find the number.

Answer provided by our tutors

n/2 + 1/n = 51/n where n is the unknown number. Multiply through by n to clear the fractions.

(n^2)/2 + 1 = 51 Now multiply through by 2.

n^2 + 2 = 102 Subtract 2 from both sides.

n^2 = 100 Take the square root of both sides.

n = +/- 10 

Both 10 and -10 will work here.